WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 3, 2023 – Yesterday, INCOMPAS, the internet and competitive networks association, filed comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Request for Comment regarding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
“We strongly urge both the NTIA and OMB to build on competition laws as they formulate the rules and policies for implementing the BEAD Program. Competition is key to providing American families and business with more affordable choices and greater access to connectivity,” said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. “That is why it is critical we incentivize competitive providers to participate in the bidding process by ensuring they have the opportunity to keep the income generated from BEAD investments.”
“Providers face a number of costly and time-consuming barriers to deployment. From gaining access to the rights-of-ways, including crossing railroads and accessing poles – they have their hands full navigating the never-ending spiral of red tape,” Pickering continued. “This exemption would allow competitive providers to continue to build out their networks to reach unserved and underserved areas and bridge the digital divide. We wholeheartedly support NTIA’s request for an exemption on subgrantee profits and look forward to working together to implement the BEAD Program and provide Internet for All.”
