The late-game changes to the BEAD Program caused confusion and angst in many states, but many plans may still move ahead.

Jim Stritzinger, Director of the South Carolina Broadband Office, likes “to think of the work we’re doing as an Olympic relay race.”

With the future of BEAD uncertain, states say they are in the best position to determine how to use defaulted RDOF money.

“Fortunately for these and other states hoping to address pole attachment issues, BEAD funding can be used for certain permitting expenses…”

One provider has post-authorization RDOF defaults totaling $46M, according to Benton Institute data. And the numbers continue to grow.

The FCC RDOF default order argues that transferring RDOF buildout requirements to another provider could be a good alternative to defaulting.
