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Panel: What is needed to support the smooth delivery of BEAD?
The BEAD Program represents the largest public investment in broadband infrastructure in U.S. history and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the digital divide. Yet as projects move from planning to execution, stakeholders across the ecosystem face significant challenges around permitting, workforce availability, supply chains, funding timelines, technology choices, and project delivery. Successfully deploying billions of dollars in broadband investment will require close collaboration between federal and state agencies, network operators, investors, contractors, and local communities. This panel will explore what must happen to ensure BEAD funding translates into networks delivered on time, on budget, and with lasting economic impact.
- What are the biggest barriers preventing BEAD projects from moving efficiently from awards to construction?
- How can operators, states, and local authorities streamline permitting, approvals, and deployment processes?
- What lessons can be learned from previous broadband funding programs and large-scale infrastructure projects?