BEAD Program: A Critical Review of the Proposed Changes

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to expand high-speed internet access to all Americans. However, recent proposals by the Commerce Department to overhaul the program have sparked controversy and concern among advocates for affordable, reliable broadband. This article explores the key arguments for and against the proposed changes, focusing on the potential impacts on job quality, training, and retention in the broadband industry.

The BEAD program, with its $42 billion budget, is designed to fund planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and other territories. The program's initial focus on fiber-optic broadband installations has been called into question, with the Commerce Department considering a shift towards a "tech-neutral" approach that could favor satellite internet services like Starlink.

Fiber broadband installations typically require more skilled labor and offer higher wages compared to satellite internet services. A shift towards satellite services could lead to a decrease in high-quality, high-wage jobs in the industry, exacerbating wage disparities. According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, fiber broadband jobs pay about 20% more than satellite broadband jobs. This wage disparity could be further exacerbated by a shift in priorities within the BEAD program.

The proposed changes to the BEAD program could also impact workforce development and training. Fiber broadband installations require specialized training and skills, such as splicing, termination, and testing. A shift towards satellite services could lead to a decrease in demand for these specialized skills, potentially resulting in a skills gap. The BEAD program initially allocated funds for planning and capacity-building in state offices, including workforce planning. A shift in priorities could lead to a reduction in these funds, impacting workforce development efforts.

The retention and career progression of broadband workers could also be affected by the proposed changes. Fiber broadband jobs often offer more opportunities for career advancement and long-term employment. A shift towards satellite services could lead to job instability and reduced career progression opportunities, potentially resulting in higher turnover rates. The BEAD program was designed to create long-term, high-quality jobs in the broadband industry. A shift in priorities could undermine these goals and lead to higher turnover rates.

In conclusion, the proposed changes to the BEAD program could have significant implications for the job market and workforce development in the broadband industry. A shift towards satellite services could lead to a decrease in high-quality, high-wage jobs, exacerbate wage disparities, and impact workforce development efforts. It is essential to consider these factors when evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed changes. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has stood up for efforts to bring affordable, high-speed internet to all Americans while creating quality jobs, advocating for robust broadband deployment funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to definitively address the digital divide and find common ground across partisan divides.