Letter to Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration - Grassley: Broadband Expansion Projects Must Prioritize Unserved Areas

Letter

Dear Assistant Secretary Davidson,

Closing the digital divide has long been a bipartisan priority for those living in rural states. Over
the last two years, Congress has distributed billions of dollars to the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and other Federal agencies to close
this divide. It is now more important than ever that these agencies ensure that broadband funding
goes to unserved areas and not to overbuild existing reliable broadband infrastructure in areas
where broadband providers serve or have committed to serve. This not only wastes Federal funds
on areas that do not need it, but also suppresses future deployment in communities in need of
opportunities today.

NTIA has an opportunity to make substantial impact on connecting rural America. However,
doing so will require that your agency outline rules that specifically prohibit overbuilding and
that set clear criteria to ensure projects targeted at unserved areas are actually prioritized. The
regulations and methodology for the distribution of these funds must prioritize projects that are
connecting customers and communities to broadband for the first time and avoid projects in areas
where reliable broadband is already being provided or where there is an enforceable commitment
to build high-speed broadband using federal or state funds. Further, you must work in concert
with other broadband programs to avoid duplication of state or federal government efforts and
your department should ensure that all technological options are on the table to bring broadband
service to unserved areas. This will ensure that all customers, regardless of location have the
opportunity to benefit from this program.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to continuing to work with you to
bridge the rural broadband gap and finally connect our most unserved areas.

Sincerely,

Source