1. Delays in getting broadband to the folks. Some states are on the 1 yard line. A bunch are on the 5 yard line. Extra will probably be getting there each week. These more-sweeping modifications will solely trigger delays. The administration may repair the issues with this system by way of waiver and keep away from slowdowns. Shovels may already be within the floor in three states, they usually might be within the floor in half the nation by the summer season with out the proposed modifications to undertaking choice.
2. Extra folks will get Starlink/Kuiper, and fewer folks will get fiber connection. This might be dramatic, or it might be measured, relying on the place the admin units the edge restrict, and whether or not states are permitted to award tasks above the brand new threshold on the idea of worth per greenback, or in the event that they’re compelled to take the most cost effective proposal, even when it gives poorer service.
3. The three states with accredited Last Proposals stay in limbo. They’re presently held in NIST evaluation concerning their proposed FPFRs (the budgets accompanying their accredited ultimate proposals).
This is unnecessary – these states are able to go, they usually bought the job completed on time, on finances, and have plans that obtain common protection. If the administration cares about getting shovels within the floor, states with accredited Last Proposals ought to transfer ahead, ASAP.
4. West Virginia (and shortly extra states) who’ve accomplished their work, however don’t have accredited Last Proposals additionally stay in limbo. They’ve a ultimate proposal able to go that will get distinctive service to all West Virginia properties and companies. Just like the three states with accredited Last Proposals, solely the present administration stands between them and getting shovels within the floor. If the administration cares about getting issues completed, they need to enable any state that comes ahead with a Last Proposal below the outdated guidelines within the subsequent couple of months transfer ahead with that plan.
5. No choice has been made about how a lot of the prevailing progress the 30 states who’re already performing subgrantee choice needs to be allowed to maintain. The administration merely can not say whether or not the time, taxpayer funds, and personal capital that had been spent on these processes will probably be wasted and the way a lot states must re-do.
6. The wi-fi trade will probably be, successfully, shut out of the BEAD program. There will probably be few, if any, places which can be above any new price restrict that may be capable to be extra cheaply served by fastened wi-fi than low earth satellites.
