The Institute for Local Self Reliance has published a policy brief on why  BEAD Should Continue to Prioritize Fiber Internet Network Investments…

In designing BEAD, Congress recognized that it was foolish to spend thousands of dollars per home every 5-10 years to deliver obsolete connections and chose instead to build fiber optic networks that will last generations – ultimately both saving taxpayer dollars and delivering an equitable Internet access option to millions of rural homes. To be clear, BEAD’s priority for fiber does not bar the use of other technologies when appropriate. In cases where the cost of fiber is simply too great, other technologies are on the table – likely wireless options of both terrestrial and low-earth orbit.

Fiber does not mean bigger bills to residents…

On the matter of residential pricing, fiber optic networks in rural areas operated by rural cooperatives offer services at prices comparable to or less than that of urban areas. For instance, Paul Bunyan in Minnesota has options starting at $60/mo for 250 Mbps symmetrical and a gigabit for $80. Co-Mo Connect, one of the first electric co-ops to build its entire electric footprint with fiber, starts at $55/mo for 100 Mbps and a gig at $85/mo. Starlink residential prices start at $120/mo for far lower speeds.

Some wireless options are everywhere, but not all of the time…

A final consideration is that some wireless technologies – primarily low-earth orbit and mobile wireless – are not able to serve all homes simultaneously and may not be able to serve all homes in rural America looking for service. Some of these technologies could serve almost anyone, but cannot serve everyone – meaning that some homes will be put on waiting lists when the system reaches max capacity.