Alabama stands at the threshold of a transformative era where broadband access can bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Broadband Equity, Access, & Deployment (BEAD) Program presents an invaluable chance to make this vision a reality, particularly for our rural communities. However, in our pursuit of progress, we must ensure that this initiative remains true to its bipartisan essence and doesn’t become a battleground for political ideals.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the BEAD Program, while well-intentioned, contains progressive recommendations that threaten the bipartisan spirit upon which this initiative was founded. Despite assurances from the Commerce Secretary that the agency was “not rate regulating, we are not price setting, and we are not requiring states to do that,” states have reported pressure from Washington to set price caps. While ensuring affordability is an important goal, following federal recommendations in this instance runs counter to the bill as passed by Congress and risks delaying broadband access across our state.
The BEAD Program should not be a platform for the Biden administration to push its liberal agenda onto Alabama’s vital economic development projects. It is imperative that we maintain an open dialogue that includes all stakeholders, free from the constraints of rigid recommendations. Rate regulation risks pushing experienced internet providers out of the marketplace for broadband buildouts. This risk could delay broadband expansion in rural Alabama. We need a diverse array of experienced providers at the table, each contributing their unique expertise to determine the most efficient, effective, and equitable ways of expanding broadband access. Restricting our options, especially on a long-term basis, could impede the very progress we aim to achieve.
Alabama’s economic growth should not be held hostage by political maneuvering. We need a bipartisan approach that fosters cooperation and innovation, embracing the strengths of both parties to drive our state forward. Our shared goal is to bring the benefits of broadband access to every Alabamian quickly and efficiently. Let’s prioritize collaboration, flexibility, and pragmatism, ensuring that the BEAD Program remains a beacon of bipartisan achievement, leading Alabama into a digitally connected future.
Parker Moore has represented House District 4 since 2018. House District 4 includes Limestone and Morgan counties.
