Broadband Deployment  

2024 Co-chairs 

Jenny Miller

EducationSuperHighway

Justin Fazzari

The Sanborn Mapping Company, AppGeo Division 

Dianne Lindstrom

Los Lobos Consulting

SHLB Staff Contact: John Windhausen 

The Broadband Deployment Policy Group discusses federal and state broadband programs to promote the deployment of open, high-quality broadband infrastructure across the country.  The Group advocates for policies that expand broadband investment for anchor institutions and unserved and underserved communities by the private sector and by non-profit providers such as research and education networks and municipalities. 

June Meeting Summary

June 18, 2024: On Tuesday, 6/18, the Broadband Deployment group reviewed the BEAD program's progress. With several companies withdrawing from their RDOF commitments, state broadband officials are adjusting project areas to cover unserved regions.

Some states define project areas themselves, while others rely on ISPs to set boundaries. There might be two rounds of awards in some states. The definition of an affordable rate is a contentious issue; NTIA provides guidelines but no specific rate.

Additionally, the group discussed the SHLB Poles Symposium, noting that Vermont has fewer pole attachment problems due to a state-specific formula for determining pole rates.

Full meeting notes for this and prior meetings are available to members here.

The Group will focus primarily on federal programs, such as the BEAD, CPF and RDOF programs run by NTIA, Treasury Department and the FCC respectively.  The Group will also review state broadband maps and other state broadband initiatives to drive broadband investment that benefit anchor institutions.  The Group will also discuss and support regulatory changes that can drive greater broadband deployment, such as pole attachments, open access, tax relief and other policies to promote broadband investment to solve the digital divide.  

Join the Group