The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, as part of the broader commitment to expanding broadband infrastructure, stands as a testament to the understanding that equitable access to digital resources is not only a matter of connectivity but also a driver of progress, prosperity, and equal opportunity for all.
The primary goals of the BEAD program are rooted in addressing some of the most pressing challenges posed by the digital age. This multifaceted initiative is designed to bridge the digital divide, promote equitable access to modern connectivity, and catalyze economic growth in communities that have historically been underserved in terms of broadband infrastructure. As part of the broader Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the BEAD program recognizes the vital role that broadband access plays in shaping the future of education, healthcare, commerce, and overall quality of life.
The IIJA’s comprehensive approach to infrastructure improvement encompasses not only traditional sectors like transportation and energy but also recognizes the importance of modern digital infrastructure. It underscores the realization that the digital divide not only hampers individual progress but also limits the collective potential of communities and regions. To this end, the BEAD program emerges as a strategic response aimed at achieving several overarching objectives:
Bridging the Digital Divide: Millions of Americans, particularly those residing in rural and remote areas, lack access to reliable high-speed internet. The BEAD program aims to bridge this gap by extending broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved regions. By facilitating the expansion of robust internet infrastructure, the program seeks to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital transformation.
Promoting Equitable Access: Inequities in digital access can perpetuate disparities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The BEAD program is committed to ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have equal access to the benefits of the digital world. By prioritizing low-income households and areas with limited connectivity, the program aims to create a more inclusive and connected society.
Boosting Economic Growth: The modern economy is intertwined with digital technology. Lack of broadband access can hinder economic growth and hinder the ability of businesses, both large and small, to thrive in the digital marketplace. The BEAD program recognizes that improved connectivity can stimulate economic development, attract investments, and create new job opportunities in communities that have been historically marginalized.
Transitioning from the context of the IIJA’s focus on infrastructure to the specifics of the BEAD program, it’s important to highlight the role of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). As the administrating agency for the BEAD program, the NTIA plays a pivotal role in overseeing the distribution of funds, establishing guidelines, and working in collaboration with state governments to ensure the program’s successful implementation. Now, let’s delve into the specific details of how the BEAD program operates and the technical requirements it entails.
Expanding Reliable Broadband Service
The BEAD program has a core objective: to extend reliable broadband service to areas that lack adequate connectivity. To determine funding allocation, the program relies on the FCC’s Broadband DATA Maps as the primary source of ground truth data. This data helps identify unserved and underserved census blocks in each state. Specifically:
– Unserved Areas: Defined as locations where 80% or more of the region lacks access to broadband speeds of at least 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, with a latency of 100 milliseconds or less.
– Underserved Areas: Designated as areas lacking broadband speeds of 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up, with the same latency requirements.
States can opt to use their own mapping data, but the NTIA encourages alignment with the FCC’s Broadband DATA Maps for consistency.
Definition of ‘Reliable Broadband Service’
The BEAD program sets forth the criteria for ‘reliable broadband service.’ This definition encompasses several technologies, aiming to ensure that underserved and unserved areas receive optimal connectivity. According to the program:
- ‘Reliable broadband service’ includes fiber, cable, DSL, and terrestrial fixed wireless.
- The program prioritizes end-to-end fiber deployment, labeled as Priority Broadband Projects, to future-proof connectivity and maximize resource utilization.
Technical Requirements for BEAD Funded Networks
BEAD-funded networks must meet specific technical criteria to ensure their reliability, security, and accessibility. These requirements include:
- High Availability: Networks must be available 99.5% of the time, equating to a maximum of 48 hours of unavailability per year.
- Network Neutrality: Networks must not enforce unjust or unreasonable network management practices.
- Cybersecurity: A cybersecurity risk management plan compliant with NIST Cybersecurity Framework and Executive Order 14028 is mandatory. This plan covers aspects like zero-trust architecture, multi-factor authentication, incident reporting, cloud security, software supply chain security, and endpoint detection technology.
- Supply Chain Risk Management: Networks need to adhere to the key practices outlined in NISTIR 8276 and NIST 800-161.
- Reporting: Semi-annual reporting is required, including details like locations served, peak and off-peak speeds, non-promotional pricing, interconnection agreements, and certification of no data usage caps for subscribers.
- Certification: All BEAD-funded networks must have a network design certified by a professional engineer, ensuring the design meets performance requirements.
By adhering to these technical standards, BEAD-funded networks are poised to provide robust and secure connectivity to underserved communities and bridge the digital divide.
Reliable Broadband Service
Fiber
The BEAD program places emphasis on fiber as a priority technology over other broadband options. While this may suggest a singular specification for fiber network design, the reality is more nuanced due to the array of available fiber network architectures and transmission technologies. Presently, most fiber networks are built upon passive optical network (PON) architecture, with many being gigabit PON (GPON) networks capable of up to 2.5 gigabits/second down and up. Additionally, options include 10G-PON and XG-PON offering downstream speeds of 10 Gbps and upstream speeds of 2.5 Gbps, NG-PON2 (Next-Generation PON 2) providing symmetrical speeds up to 40 Gbps, and XGS-PON boasting 10 Gbps symmetrical speeds. Designing and implementing a fiber network entails intricate decisions, including node splits and drops, to ensure compliance with all BEAD technical requirements.
However, the BEAD program recognizes the cost constraints in deploying fiber and allows for alternative broadband technologies when fiber is economically impractical.
Cable
Cable networks, or hybrid-fiber coaxial (HFC) networks, offer an alternative where fiber deployment costs are prohibitive. DOCIS technology drives cable networks, with fiber handling the middle-mile and coaxial cable for the last mile. Networks powered by DOCSIS can deliver speeds of up to 10 Gbps down and 6 Gbps up, with latency below 5 milliseconds using Low-latency DOCSIS (LLD) technology.
DSL
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology is included as a fallback option within NTIA guidelines. However, early drafts from states indicate that DSL might only be supported as a last-resort alternative under exceptional circumstances. DSL’s potential for broadband speeds is limited, generally topping out around 25 Mbps and failing to meet the BEAD program’s goals.
Terrestrial Fixed Wireless
The BEAD program extends to terrestrial fixed wireless, or Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), for cases where deploying fiber is cost-prohibitive. Similar to fiber and cable, the program remains technology-neutral regarding the specific wireless technology used. However, adherence to certain requirements is mandatory, including use of licensed spectrum, fixed positioning (non-mobile), and meeting speed and latency criteria (e.g., at least 100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up, and latency under 100 milliseconds).
Technologies Within Fixed Wireless Access Networks
Fixed Wireless Access networks rely on radio signals to transmit and receive data between wireless base stations and fixed customer premises equipment. These networks operate using several technologies, including:
- LTE (Long Term Evolution): LTE-based FWA leverages cellular technology to deliver internet connectivity, primarily using licensed spectrum.
- 5G: 5G FWA harnesses fifth-generation cellular technology’s capabilities to offer even higher speeds and lower latency compared to LTE-based FWA. While typically using licensed spectrum, private 5G networks can utilize unlicensed and/or shared spectrum, such as CBRS
- Point-to-Point (PtP) and Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP): These technologies establish direct wireless links between a base station and individual customers (PtP) or multiple customers (PtMP). Both PtP and PtMP networks can operate using licensed or unlicensed spectrum.
Licensed and Unlicensed Spectrum
Spectrum, the range of radio frequencies, is categorized into licensed and unlicensed bands. Licensed spectrum is allocated by regulatory bodies and requires a formal agreement (license) to use specific frequencies. This ensures interference-free operation and optimal network performance. On the other hand, unlicensed spectrum is available for public use without a formal license. While it allows for greater innovation and flexibility, it also exposes networks to potential interference from other devices using the same frequencies. The BEAD program recognizes the benefits of both approaches and stipulates the use of licensed spectrum for fixed wireless technologies to ensure reliable and predictable connectivity in underserved areas.
In instances where deploying fiber, cable, DSL, or terrestrial broadband proves economically unviable, the BEAD program accommodates other technologies like satellite and unlicensed spectrum wireless networks to ensure the delivery of reliable broadband service
Choosing the Right Broadband Technology: Trade-offs and Considerations
As the BEAD program aims to expand broadband access to unserved and underserved areas, the selection of the appropriate technology plays a pivotal role. Each technology offers unique advantages and trade-offs, and the decision depends on factors such as cost, infrastructure availability, population density, and geographic challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the trade-offs associated with different technologies and scenarios where each technology makes sense:
Fiber Optics
Advantages:
– High Speeds: Fiber offers unparalleled speeds, from several hundred Mbps to multiple Gbps.
– Symmetrical Bandwidth: Equal upload and download speeds facilitate activities like video conferencing and content creation.
– Low Latency: Minimal latency supports real-time applications and gaming.
Trade-offs:
– Deployment Costs: Installing fiber networks can be expensive, especially in rural and remote areas with challenging terrains.
– Infrastructure Challenges: Laying fiber requires digging trenches and can disrupt existing infrastructure.
When to Choose:
Opt for fiber when the goal is to provide the highest quality and future-proof connectivity. It’s ideal for densely populated urban areas and communities with long-term growth potential.
Cable (HFC)
Advantages:
– High Speeds: Cable networks offer competitive speeds, suitable for most residential and small business needs.
– Existing Infrastructure: Utilizes existing coaxial cable infrastructure, reducing deployment challenges.
Trade-offs:
– Shared Bandwidth: Upload speeds can be limited in comparison to download speeds due to shared resources.
– Latency: Latency might be slightly higher compared to fiber.
When to Choose:
Consider cable where upgrading existing infrastructure is more feasible than deploying entirely new networks. It’s effective for providing high-speed internet in areas where fiber might be cost-prohibitive.
Terrestrial Fixed Wireless (FWA)
Advantages:
– Rapid Deployment: Fixed wireless can be quickly deployed, making it suitable for urgent connectivity needs.
– Scalability: Can cover a wide range of areas, making it effective for rural communities.
– Cost Efficiency: Fixed wireless can be cost-effective compared to fiber, especially for sparsely populated regions.
Trade-offs:
– Signal Interference: Wireless signals can be affected by obstacles and interference.
– Line-of-Sight Requirement: Some fixed wireless technologies require clear line-of-sight between the base station and customer premise.
When to Choose:
Fixed wireless is a valuable option for areas where fiber deployment is economically challenging, and rapid connectivity is essential. It’s particularly effective for providing connectivity to remote and geographically challenging locations.
In the realm of broadband expansion, selecting the right technology involves weighing these trade-offs against the unique requirements of each community. The BEAD program’s flexibility in accommodating multiple technologies ensures that no single approach fits all situations, promoting tailored solutions that align with each area’s distinct needs and limitations.
Conclusion: Empowering BEAD Proposals with Broadband Tools Consulting
In the dynamic landscape of broadband expansion and the BEAD program, Broadband Tools Consulting emerges as a strategic ally for network operators. Our exploration of the BEAD program’s intricate terrain and broadband technology choices has highlighted the critical role of informed guidance in this journey.
As network operators navigate the complexities of technology options, funding structures, and compliance criteria, Broadband Tools Consulting stands ready to provide practical solutions. Just as the BEAD program seeks to bridge gaps in connectivity, our consultancy bridges the gap between vision and actionable strategies.
Our expertise translates into comprehensive support for crafting successful BEAD proposals. From navigating technology trade-offs to addressing deployment challenges, we offer a toolkit of insights that transforms concepts into tangible results. Our partnership ensures that network operators are equipped to seize the opportunities that the BEAD program presents.
In a world driven by connectivity, the intersection of the BEAD program and Broadband Tools Consulting creates a synergy that propels communities towards digital empowerment. Our commitment is to translate vision into action, strategy into implementation, and proposals into realized projects.
With Broadband Tools Consulting by your side, the BEAD program becomes more than a program—it becomes a pathway to impactful change. Together, we navigate the landscape of broadband expansion, transforming potential into progress and weaving a connected future for all.