Washington, DC – The Rural Wireless Association is heartened by the confirmation of Alan Davidson to head the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).  Davidson has a plethora of technology and innovation experience and has stated a commitment to work closely with states and local entities in implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.  A close working relationship between states and NTIA will be crucial for effective broadband deployment as each state has unique geographic characteristics, especially in rural areas, that require different broadband deployment strategies that include both fiber and wireless infrastructure.

Now that Davidson has been confirmed, RWA calls for NTIA to quickly move forward to adopt its final rules for this program – rules that include a wireless component.  Many Americans, including those in rural areas, are in dire need of quality broadband service – both wireless and wired.  The faster NTIA adopts its final rules and distributes funds to states, the faster that rural Americans can receive the broadband service they need and deserve.

RWA looks forward to working closely with NTIA and Alan Davidson to close the digital divide through the BEAD Program.