ATLANTA—Industry authorities in engineering, technology innovation, strategic planning and policy shared their insights at a PowerXchange pre-conference workshop on key challenges facing electric cooperatives deploying broadband.

The four-hour March 9 session allowed attendees to seek advice specific to their co-op network, exchange winning tactics and learn what may be in store from panels of co-op leaders in broadband, experts at Adtran, Corning, EPB, Vantage Point and the NRECA Broadband team.

“In a shifting regulatory and political landscape, it's paramount for co-ops to dialogue with industry leaders and each other on network growth, sustainable operations, business strategies and policy impacts," said Cliff Johnson, NRECA Broadband director. “We were grateful to provide the opportunity for our members."
Top of mind was the status of the $42.5 billion federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. With funds not yet distributed to rural co-op applicants, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is considering expanding eligibility to satellite and other non-fiber service providers.

Larry Thompson, PE, CEO of Vantage Point Solutions, told the group that a direct “clawback" of BEAD funds by the administration was unlikely, although the program's preference for fiber appears to be dissolving. But, he noted, the limitations of non-fiber technologies will soon be exposed as average broadband speeds are expected to hit 5.5 gigabits, and satellite and wireless will struggle to compete.

"Five to seven years from now, we will have to go back and give fiber to many of those that had to settle for satellite service," Thompson said. "Everyone without fiber will be a second-class broadband citizen."

Other potential BEAD program changes that could reduce certain costly requirements appear positive, and co-ops were encouraged to continue with their communications infrastructure plans.

“Still look at the long-term, big picture plan, and prioritize the pieces that are important to you," Thompson said.

NRECA Broadband Legislative Director Katie Culleton agreed that BEAD funds will be allocated and said co-ops should apply to the program soon, even if changes are likely later.

“There is a lot of desire for using the funds to connect people, but the question is, what is the right way to go about it?" she said.

NRECA Senior Regulatory Affairs Director Brian O'Hara discussed the new regulatory environment and NRECA's detailed recommendations to Lutnick and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr to improve rules for co-ops in broadband.

Industry leaders urged co-ops to stick to their mission of building a solid communications network to serve their members and to lean on NRECA and one another along the way.

“It’s paramount to engage with your state broadband office and take advantage of NRECA’s advocacy and resources,” said Ashley Brown, Adtran’s senior director for field and partner marketing. “Leverage the people in this room. We are all here to help.”