The Broadband Divide - Legal Aspects of the BEAD Program and Technology Preference

This course provides an in-depth legal analysis of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, focusing on federal funding regulations, state level implementation challenges, and the legal considerations of technology selection in broadband expansion. Participants will explore the policy intent of BEAD, the legal framework governing fund distribution, and the impact of NTIA guidelines on fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite deployment. The course also examines public-private partnerships, permitting challenges, and the role of municipalities in broadband expansion, with a focus on ensuring compliance while advocating for community broadband solutions. Legal professionals will gain insights into funding eligibility, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance, equipping them to navigate the legal complexities of broadband infrastructure development.