Office of Broadband Development Office Hours July 1 2025: hoping to get BEAD applications open by July 14

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Almost 50 people attended the Office of Broadband Development Office Hour today. The discussion is very nuts and bolts discussion of the BEAD funding and applications. Below is a video, notes and questions.

  • Sending compliance letter to NTIA. Mapping of new eligible locations is done and on the BEAD website. (ARC GIS Platform.)
  • IN process – is application portal. Still in development.
  • FAQs are almost caught up.
  • July 14 (at the latest) is application portal opening – July 24 will be closed.
  • OBD needs everything in by September 4
  • There have been question son new applications – hope to get those done tomorrow. Should look similar to the old application with some questions made optional
  • Looking for the lowest cost option
  • Some secondary criteria is now obsolete.
  • Hoping to get more guidance this week.

Questions:

Do applicants that are already listed on the approved BEAD applicants list published on the website need to submit another prequalification application?
No

Will we be able to edit our prior application or do we need to start a new one?
We will carry forward completed applications from the past. You can make limited changes. If you have too many changes you will need to start anew

What BDC fabric was used for eligibility maps?
BDC 4

Rumor is that NTIA requires fabric 6? Are other states wrong?
Might be in the interpretation.
We do not want to rerun challenges

Can we still pick our project areas for round one?
Yes. This is best and final round for choosing your area.

Can we use old letters of credit?
I think they will be but we just got new guidance

There is just one round for this new BEAD, right?  No second, third or any other type of round is expected.  Correct?

Yes

Is the list that’s on the website, subject to change after NTIA review?
RDOF is added

Is the list that’s on the website, subject to change after NTIA review?
We hope not

If the portal opens early will the deadline remain the same?
Yes

Will the RDOF defaulted ISPs be allowed to apply for BEAD?
That would be unexpected. Lumen is not pre-approved. We do look at past performance.

Do you know approximately how many ULFW locations were removed?
Between 200-300

What’s the RDOF impact?
Not in front of me

Can you please clarify when the application opens and closes? Thank you
opens July 14 – closes July 24

From the chat:

 

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