Rather than viewing regulatory requirements as obstacles, telecom network providers can approach them as opportunities for partnership and collaboration to set themselves up for success. This session will show how and why “high touch” matters when working with permitting agencies. It will outline four essential steps to navigate the permitting landscape efficiently, fostering smoother project implementation that allows broadband infrastructure to reach those most in need.

The permitting process can be challenging with varied federal, state, and local regulations. This panel will share expert insights from WIA, wireless infrastructure providers, and state decision-makers on best practices to help you deploy networks enabling connectivity everywhere. They will also share a helpful permitting checklist to help you work with states and municipalities.

The anticipation of the BEAD process and execution has left many looking for answers regarding Surety as Compliance vs. Letters of Credit and the expanding risk landscape. This session will provide the principles of finance/surety, and their role related to BEAD, how iterative progress and reporting affect ongoing financial compliance, and additional variables directly associated with the rapid expansion enabled by the BEAD program.

Pole attachment permitting and makeready engineering delays can prevent you from meeting deadlines and complying with regulations and contract obligations, resulting in construction delays and work stoppages. While speed to market helps grow your subscriber base, compliance with code and standards reduces potential network outages, improving reliability and customer satisfaction. Learn what pole owners and utilities expect on pole attachment or conduit licensing requests. Discover more about LiDAR, image recognition and how collecting field data using digital measuring technology can help minimize delays in application processing and improve construction practices. 

Navigating BEAD funding’s permitting and regulatory landscape is no small feat—but mastering it can mean the difference between project delays and on-time successes. This session will arm you with the dos and don’ts to expedite approvals, ensure compliance, and strengthen relationships with local agencies and BDOs. Join us to gain the insights you need to keep your broadband deployments on track and on budget.

Learn how to maximize the lifespan of legacy network hardware through repair, refurbishment, and surplus solutions, effectively reducing capital expenditures and mitigating supply chain delays. Gain insights into navigating manufacturer backlogs, leveraging multi-vendor solutions, and streamlining permitting processes to meet BEAD funding guidelines and deployment deadlines. And discover how to manage surplus efficiently and decommissioned equipment to minimize environmental impact, recapture capital, and support cost-efficient, sustainable broadband network expansions. 

FBA reports that BEAD funding will require 28,000 broadband construction workers and 30,000 broadband techs, with 119,200 additional workers needed over the next 10 years to offset retirement and attrition. Learn how to leverage BEAD funding for sustainable workforce development programs that create long-term economic benefits for communities. Better understand how BEAD funding extends beyond connecting America, laying the foundation for economic growth, job security, and connected homes—all powered by fiber.