What Will Happen to BEAD Under Arielle Roth?

If Arielle Roth is confirmed, the NTIA will have a new head, so what will that mean for BEAD? Especially if that leader is a harsh critic of BEAD in its existing form?

Roth, who worked for Ted Cruz on the Senate Commerce Committee, and the FCC before that, has levelled criticism at BEAD in the past, saying the NTIA has been “preoccupied” with concerns she calls a “woke social agenda,” and criticizes climate change and low-income rate requirements as “left-wing priorities.”

How could BEAD be affected?

We certainly don’t know how everything will shake out with a new NTIA head, and a lot of states are committed to seeing these networks get built.

It does seem, however, that this whole new generation of BEAD decision makers are aligned on redefining reliable broadband to apply to non-fiber technology. LEO satellites are already a part of the BEAD rollouts, subbing in where fiber is mostly impossible. But what a shift away from the “alternative technologies” guidelines would look like moving forward is hard to predict.

For these new folks, it’s certainly not being framed as a downgrade, but a way to speed things up. Here’s how Howard Lutnick, incoming Commerce Secretary and Trump pick put it: “let’s do it efficiently and let’s do it swiftly, let’s use satellites, let’s use wireless, and let’s use fiber, and let’s do it the cheapest, most efficiently we can. And I commit to working with you to make sure the states execute and deliver on the promise that Congress has made.”

And some fiber advocates maintain that fiber will remain dominant simply by its own virtue.

Fiber’s role is getting the most ink with Roth’s nomination, but what about the regulatory concerns? BEAD funds are being distributed through states, and states want the money, but for the deployments themselves, BEAD was already complicated by the fact that each state has its own priorities when it comes to things like environmental protection. I can’t imagine what kind of heavy-handed approach from the NTIA would override every state’s own protections.

Stripping away climate change rules, for example, may affect deployment more in one area of the country (or state) than another. It’s hard to imagine an undoing of the complexities of federal, state, local, and tribal policies that affect where and how infrastructure can be built, so we will see where and by how much any potential policy changes would affect BEAD in the big picture.

Reaction

Much of the wireless telecom world congratulated Roth:

The Wireless Infrastructure Association said, “WIA congratulates Arielle Roth on her nomination. From setting a forward-looking national spectrum strategy, to rationalizing permitting policies to bringing broadband to every corner of America, NTIA’s success is critical for the future of connectivity in America. Arielle has a deep understanding of the wireless industry and the policies that are necessary to ensure America’s economic success and the safety and vitality of our communities.”

Comcast showed support, saying “…Ms. Roth has exhibited an impressive knowledge of a wide range of telecommunications issues. We commend President Trump on this choice and welcome her leadership in addressing our country’s vital communication needs.”

Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association also congratulated Roth:

“The Fiber Broadband Association congratulates Arielle Roth on her nomination as Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). As Americans are increasingly counting on broadband programs to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity, it is important we have a leader like Arielle in this role. Her expertise in communications policy and commitment to closing the digital divide will be invaluable as NTIA continues to build historic support for critical broadband initiatives.”