D.C. Memo: Louisiana Gov. Pitches BEAD Reforms to Trump's Commerce Pick
◾ CTIA: FWA Needs Spectrum ASAP ◾ Brent Bozell's Miracle Week in D.C. ◾ Verizon Added 373,000 FWA in Q4 ◾ Comcast Unveils $70 News/Sports Online Package ◾ NaLA Survey Shows Post-ACP Hardship
BEAD: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) is telling President Trump's pick to run the Commerce Department that he wants to serve "as a thought partner and sounding board as you make necessary reforms to NTIA and the Broadband Equity Access Deployment Program." In a letter Wednesday, Landry provided Commerce Secretary-designate Howard Lutnik with a list of reforms led by a change that would likely result in steering more money to Elon Musk's Starlink Internet service and allow ISPs to charge nearly $100 a month as the low-cost option. NTIA should classify low Earth orbit satellite companies like Starlink and unlicensed fixed wireless "that can deliver qualifying broadband service as 'Reliable Broadband Services' and then eliminate the 'Alternative Technology' category," Landry said. On Jan. 13, NTIA gave the green light for Louisiana to begin spending its $1.3 billion in BEAD grant money. The vast majority — 95% — will fund fiber deployments. "However, in order to maximize efficient use [of] taxpayer dollars and ensure fit for purpose solutions statewide, we have strongly pursued a tech neutral solution, including specifically engaging with LEO satellite service providers in order to deliver universal coverage," Landry said. Landry informed Lutnick the first BEAD projects would begin construction within the first 100 days of the new Trump administration. Lutnick’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee is set for Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. Joe Kane, director of broadband and spectrum policy at the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, supports capping BEAD per-location costs at $1,200, an approach designed to favor Starlink and perhaps fixed wireless over fiber. "The governor's suggestions would be a step in the right direction toward making BEAD a more effective tool to combat the digital divide," Kane told Policyband. "It's a good sign that Louisiana is using its BEAD experience to note the importance of tech neutrality and a streamlined program, as opposed to the current approach of overwhelming fiber preference and 'everything bagel' requirements that foist extraneous policy priorities on top of the main goal of closing the digital divide." In that connection, Landry said NTIA should abolish letter of credit requirements "so BEAD funds go to broadband deployment, not banks." One policy Landry didn't mention: Taxation. Under current law, BEAD grants are considered taxable income.