- The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has called on newly confirmed US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to support reforms to the BEAD programme and maintain ICT supply chain flexibility.
- TIA CEO David Stehlin urged Lutnick to streamline BEAD spending and prioritise network resilience in the face of cybersecurity threats.
What happened: Lutnick’s confirmation and TIA’s call for action
Following Howard Lutnick’s confirmation as the US Secretary of Commerce, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has urged him to support reforms to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) programme. Lutnick, the former chair and CEO of investment firms Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Group, was confirmed in a 51-45 Senate vote.
During his confirmation hearings, Lutnick expressed a desire to streamline BEAD spending to “make sure that Congress gets the benefit of the bargain.” In response, TIA CEO David Stehlin called for a review of BEAD to ensure taxpayer funds are utilised effectively and in line with Congress’s intent to connect Americans to broadband. Stehlin also urged Lutnick to uphold waivers supporting domestic sourcing and supply chain flexibility.
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BEAD reforms and supply chain resilience
The BEAD programme, introduced by the Biden administration, aims to provide affordable, high-speed internet as part of its “Internet for All” initiative. However, the programme has faced criticism for allegedly failing to provide value for money. TIA’s call for reforms includes preventing BEAD grants from being considered taxable income, which could hinder applicants and diminish the programme’s impact.
Additionally, Stehlin highlighted the importance of network resilience in the face of high-profile cybersecurity attacks like the Salt Typhoon hacks. By prioritising security in broadband deployment and maintaining supply chain flexibility, the administration can maximise BEAD’s impact and ensure all Americans have access to high-speed broadband.
