As in prior versions, our BEAD Framework v.4.0 includes both a national analysis and an analysis for each State. It updates the estimate of the number of unserved and underserved locations by using the FCC’s mid-2023 Broadband Data Collection. It then applies Cartesian’s proprietary and detailed model to develop fixed broadband deployment scenarios using a combination of BEAD funding and matching funds from providers.
According to our estimates, when States and Territories begin to select broadband deployment projects, 6.4 million unserved and underserved locations will be eligible for BEAD program funding. We further estimate that the program should be able to provide robust broadband service to all these eligible locations. This includes by providing service over fiber infrastructure – the BEAD program’s preferred broadband technology – to at least 71 percent of eligible locations.
Version 5.0, using data from the latest National Broadband Map, estimates that when States and Territories begin to select broadband deployment projects, 5.4 million unserved and underserved locations will be eligible for BEAD program funding and that the program should be able to provide robust broadband service to all these eligible locations. This includes by deploying fiber infrastructure to reach between 70% and 90% of all eligible locations, depending on how funds are used.
In addition to this national framework highlighting the historic potential of BEAD investments to close the digital divide, ACA Connects and Cartesian issued a companion analysis demonstrating that BEAD will reach fewer locations with fiber if the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and states require providers to meet unreasonable affordability mandates or to incur high labor costs.
In the modeling on the impact of rate regulations, labor requirements, and project area requirements, ACA Connects and Cartesian found these costs will lead to lower fiber coverage.
ACA Connects and Cartesian will stay involved to support your efforts and to update our analysis as new information becomes available. So, please contact us at any time. You can reach out to ACA Connects Chief Regulatory Counsel Brian Hurley at [email protected].
Submit your questions regarding the BEAD Program: A Framework to Allocate Funding for Broadband Availability study to [email protected].