As of early August, 53 of the 56 eligible entities in the BEAD program have closed or will soon close their Benefit of the Bargain application windows. This marks the end of the intake phase and kicks off what will be a tight, high-pressure sprint to finalize awards. The NTIA’s revised June guidance removed the […]
BEAD Benefit of the Bargain Windows Have Closed – Fasten Your Seatbelts Read More »
A major shift in the BEAD program now allows for flexible, hybrid network designs – blending fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite to accelerate broadband deployment. This change opens new opportunities for ISPs to reach rural communities faster, while laying a scalable foundation for the AI-powered future. Here’s what the updates mean, and how JLA Advisors
The BEAD program is entering its competitive grant phase. Success depends on understanding state scoring rubrics that prioritize cost efficiency, affordability, labor practices, and other metrics like network reliability and community engagement. Competitive analysis, project area definition, and cost optimization are key to crafting winning bids and managing potential overlaps. Applicants must assess their economics
Outthinking Your BEAD Competition Read More »
The Challenge Process is upon us, and it’s, well, challenging. In the context of BEAD, a “challenge” is the process of submitting evidence to state that a location should or should not be listed as eligible for funding. The complex undertaking consists of three major phases – the Challenge Phase, Rebuttal Phase, and Final Determinations.
Mastering the BEAD Challenge: What Broadband Providers Need to Know Read More »
As of August 6th, 2024, 41 states have completed the Challenge Phase for BEAD and are moving towards Final Determinations, with another four states currently in the Challenge Phase. If you’ve missed our summary of the BEAD Challenge Process, check out our last article, Breaking Down the Challenge Process. The NTIA requires completion of the Challenge
Mounting Challenges in the BEAD Process: Navigating Delays and Data Hurdles Read More »
In an AI-dominated world, CSPs face a crucial choice: evolve or become obsolete. JLA has mapped out three implementation paths – Big Bang, Metamorphosis, and Microevolution – each offering a distinct route to harness the potential of Generative AI. Time is of the essence, and the decision is stark: adapt or fade away. The artificial
Navigating the AI Storm: Three Paths for CSPs in the Age of Generative AI Read More »
42 Billion. That’s the amount of federal funding provided for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (“BEAD”) – and everybody wants a piece of the pie. This investment will impact nearly every aspect of the broadband space, providing more high-speed internet access than any previous federal effort. With a goal to get all Americans
Don’t Let BEAD Slip Away Read More »
On June 26th, the NTIA allocated state funding amounts under the BEAD program. Each state, plus DC, was awarded at least $100 million, and 19 states will distribute over $1 billion. States have 180 days from June 30th to submit their Initial Proposal, and may begin submitting proposals as early as July 1st. The first
Chasing the BEAD Billions Read More »
AI is real, and it’s here to stay. The adoption of AI in the last five years has more than doubled, and recent breakthroughs in generative AI are having unprecedented operational and organizational impacts across key industries. Generative AI refers to algorithms like ChatGPT, Bard, GitHub Copilot, and Dall-E that can create new content including audio,
Unlocking the Massive Potential of Generative AI for Communication Service Providers Read More »
Watch JLA’s Broadband Funding Webinar! To help close the digital divide, the United States Government has introduced the BEAD program to assist with closing the gap of internet access. In this webinar, Widelity joins JLA Advisors on Telecompetitor to discuss this program and how it can impact communities.
JLA, Widelity, and t3’s Broadband Funding Webinar Read More »