Connect Humanity urges BEAD to keep fiber first approach

Commerce Secretary Lutnick recently called for a "tech-neutral" approach to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, signaling a potential shift from fiber to satellite technology. This could redirect $10-20 billion in funding to providers like Starlink, disrupting states' existing plans that primarily focus on fiber deployment.

In a blog post, the nonproft organization Connect Humanity argues strongly for maintaining BEAD's fiber-first approach, highlighting fiber's advantages:

• Symmetrical gigabit speeds with unlimited capacity
• Weather-resistant reliability
• Multi-generational longevity
• Promotion of market competition
• Economic development support

In contrast, LEO satellite broadband faces limitations:

• Finite bandwidth leading to network congestion
• Higher latency affecting real-time applications
• Single-entity control raising resilience concerns
• Affordability barriers for many households
• Short 5-7 year lifespan requiring costly replacements

While satellite technology has its place in serving extremely remote areas, the article contends that fiber remains the most cost-effective long-term solution for most communities. It compares the fiber-to-satellite shift to "replacing a bridge with a ferry service" - cheaper initially but less effective and ultimately more expensive.

---