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.

As the BEAD program progresses through a new presidential administration, the process of planning some individual buildouts is well underway. Each state and territory has assigned a top broadband officer as the chief administrator, driving and overseeing the buildouts. With an administrative review pending and 56 separate states and territories at different stages of their projects—some have completed their ISP selection process while others have not yet begun theirs—there is no single point of progress for the nationwide BEAD program. 

This panel will take a deep dive into the results from a survey, carried out by Endeavor Business Media’s Digital Infrastructure Group and Endeavor Business Intelligence. The discussion project focuses on the complex future of BEAD projects from the state level. It will cover several aspects of broadband projects, including the status of ISP selection, plans for the use of various technologies (fiber, fixed wireless, satellite), supply-chain/fulfillment concerns, workforce and training outlook, and more. 

The anticipation of the BEAD process and execution has left many frustrated and with more questions than answers. If you’re looking for fast solutions to respond to financial guarantee requirements regarding weighing Surety vs. Letters of Credit, we are here to help. This session will provide an overview of the principles of finance and surety, their role related to BEAD, and how progress and reporting impact ongoing financial compliance. Additionally, it will cover the education behind Surety underwriting nuances.

 Attendees will learn:

• BEAD financial guarantee options
• Discuss the various ways they have been accepted by the state (25% vs 10%, etc)
• How does different progress reporting provide acceptance of varied bond totals due to the reimbursed schedule
• How homes passed draws down liability
• Explain the differences between LCs and Surety bonds
• Key information underwriters will review to help qualify a program.  I
• How to work through taboo items like PE, Owner Changes, failed past projects, no experience, and position your company for surety program growth.

Session Chair: Marc Durocher - Verizon Communications

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.