USTelecom urges states to steer BEAD extras to permitting fixes, NG911

As the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) works with states on how to use Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) money that is not tied directly to building networks, USTelecom is pushing for two priorities: permitting reform and next-generation 911 (NG911).

The trade group argues that outdated, slow permitting processes are a major drag on broadband rollout and wants states to use part of their non-deployment BEAD funds to modernize and streamline those systems. It is also pressing for investment in NG911 infrastructure so emergency services can handle IP-based voice, text, and data, and better integrate with modern broadband networks.