Developing a Rational Methodology to Setting the BEAD Program’s Extremely High Cost Per Location Threshold

In implementing the $42.5B BEAD Program, NTIA demonstrated leadership by prioritizing the deployment of all-fiber connectivity – the most capable, reliable, and durable last-mile broadband network technology. States and Territories now have the task of making this fiber priority a reality – by establishing the Extremely High Cost Per Location Threshold – the touchpoint at which a State or Territory may consider whether other technologies provide an efficient means to reach the highest cost locations, locations that have historically been left out or provided the bare minimum when it comes to broadband investment. NTIA expects the Threshold to be set as high as possible to help ensure that eligible unserved/underserved locations are not left behind and instead receive the same fiber connectivity that virtually all other locations in the U.S. are going to receive.

To help States and Territories set their Thresholds, the Fiber Broadband Association has joined with the business consulting firm Cartesian to develop a methodology based on sound economic and market underpinnings to which States and Territories can apply their unique “facts on the ground.” States and Territories can then run multiple deployment scenarios to converge on a Threshold that best achieves the fiber deployment objective. During the webinar, Cartesian will present its methodology and then respond to questions from States and Territories.

Webinar Host: Gary Bolton, President and CEO, Fiber Broadband Association
Webinar Presenter: Michael Dargue, Vice President, Cartesian