The federal government’s $42 billion BEAD program is off track due to its costly fiber bias, but a new ITIF report shows how embracing technology-neutral solutions—like LEO satellites and FWA—can deliver broadband faster, cheaper, and more effectively to unserved communities.

Federal Broadband Program’s Costly Fiber Bias Delays Access; ITIF Proposes Tech-Neutral Strategy for BEAD 

Federal Broadband Program's Costly Fiber Bias Delays Access; ITIF Proposes Tech-Neutral Strategy for BEAD 

Closing the digital divide takes money, and the federal government has lots of it, but sinking $45 billion into remote fiber optic cables would be a waste of money that will leave more pressing broadband priorities underfunded.

No More Fiber to Nowhere

The administration should reform the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to stop favoring overly expensive fiber when LEO satellites could do the same job for less. Taking a technology-neutral approach to broadband deployment would save money that could be better spent on other causes of the digital divide.

BEAD Needs All Technologies to Succeed

Critics have claimed low-Earth orbit satellites will not be able to meet the BEAD program’s broadband capacity requirements, that LEO networks lack scalability, that they’re more expensive to consumers, and that BEAD itself ought to be biased against LEOs. None of these claims are true.

Broadband Myths: LEOs Don’t Belong in BEAD 

Broadband Myths: LEOs Don't Belong in BEAD 

Congress should create a more targeted and durable Affordable Connectivity Program by aligning funding priorities with the remaining causes of the digital divide. By prioritizing affordability rather than deployment, the new program can connect low-income households without new federal spending.

A Blueprint for Broadband Affordability

Nevada’s broadband plan wastes millions on overpriced fiber projects, ignoring cost-effective solutions like satellite service and neglecting affordability—the real driver of the digital divide.

Nevada’s BEAD Plan Is Shortchanging Real Digital Divide Progress

Nevada's BEAD Plan Is Shortchanging Real Digital Divide Progress

If states or NTIA plan to spend tens of thousands of dollars per home on deployment and thereby deny affordability support to millions, they should be prepared to explain why they’re spending most or all their money on 3 percent of the problem.

Uncapped Fiber Fixation Can’t Close the Digital Divide

Uncapped Fiber Fixation Can't Close the Digital Divide

NTIA has recognized technologies like low-earth orbit satellites and fixed-wireless access should be included in BEAD’s guidelines to reduce the amount spent on deployment.

Done: Make the Broadband Equity, Access, and Inclusion (BEAD) Program Technology Neutral

States are set to receive billions of dollars in federal funding—enough to close the digital divide once and for all. Following these 10 commandments will ensure they make the most of the money and citizens get the connectivity they need.

State Satellite Programs Offer Lessons for U.S. Broadband Deployment

LEO Satellites: A Cost-Effective Solution for Broadband Deployment

State Initiatives Embracing LEO Technology

Comparison with Fiber-Based Programs

Recommendations for States

Related

Federal Broadband Program’s Costly Fiber Bias Delays Access; ITIF Proposes Tech-Neutral Strategy for BEAD

No More Fiber to Nowhere

BEAD Needs All Technologies to Succeed