DDoS Detection, Mitigation, Orchestration, and Threat Intelligence
Consolidated Security & CGNAT
TLS/SSL Inspection
Web Application Firewall
Application Security & Load Balancing
Analytics & Management
CGNAT & IPv6 Migration
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program (BEAD) provides regional ISPs (RSPs) a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finally offer quality broadband service to the many unserved and underserved communities that are so physically or financially challenging to reach. While the application and approval process to receive funding has been arduous and has consumed more time than hoped, it has been necessary to cleanly identify locations in need. RSPs will soon find their patience rewarded – now in mid-2024, states are finalizing their applications to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). In 2025, RSPs can expect to know which locations they have been awarded and how much funding they can receive, with timelines varying by state. Actual buildout is expected to start in 2025.
BEAD also provides an excellent opportunity to upgrade critical elements in the core network – many of which are long overdue for upgrade. As RSPs extend and improve “last mile” access, critical core network infrastructure will need to be augmented as well to support the added subscribers and traffic. BEAD funding can be used toward this needed network equipment, including cybersecurity. In fact, the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) requires sub-grantees to submit a cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plan and to comply with the NIST cybersecurity framework.
This blog post will summarize the BEAD program and progress to date, the most common core network security challenges facing growing RSPs, what steps RSPs can take now and how A10 Networks’ security solutions can help.
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is a $42.45 billion grant and part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November 15, 2021. The focus of BEAD is to extend broadband access to unserved and underserved locations so that high-speed internet access is available to all communities throughout the U.S., territories and tribal nations. The program is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and includes a rigorous, multi-step application and approval process for “eligible entities” (states, tribal nations, territories) to follow before funding will be released. These eligible entities are responsible for managing the process and the actual deployments in their respective geographic areas, with NTIA oversight and approval.
On June 30, 2023, NTIA announced the allocations of BEAD funding to the eligible entities. NTIA also provided an initial map that estimated unserved and underserved locations, but it is up to each state to confirm or “challenge” those locations and come up with a refined list that meets the criteria for BEAD funding. The development and execution of each state’s challenge process, and then NTIA approval of the challenge results has taken considerable time. There are multiple stages in this process:
Today, all 56 eligible entities (states, territories, tribal nations, and others) have submitted initial proposals to NTIA and are in various stages of the challenge and final proposal process. None of the states have yet progressed to the selection of sub-grantee (RSPs), but this is expected to happen in late 2024/early 2025.
Each state is on a different timeline and has its own portal and web pages. Although the selection process has not started, there are many steps ISPs can take now to prepare for the scoring rounds that determine sub-grantee selection and to plan the network architecture changes that will be needed. The status of each state’s plan, initial proposal and challenge process can be found on the NTIA portal. NTIA lists state broadband leaders for BEAD and other programs and Fierce Telecom also publishes a list of broadband resources in each state.
Adding significant amounts of subscribers and traffic can push the limits of existing core network capacity and functionality. A10 has worked with a number of regional ISPs as they upgrade and augment their networks.
Here are some items to consider now regarding improvements to core network capabilities:
The near-term release of $42 billion towards bridging the digital divide has escalated media attention and public awareness. The radio program, Marketplace, has recently highlighted the BEAD program and the general impact of broadband on rural communities through a program series broadcast on National Public Radio (NPR) .
BEAD is attempting to fill the gap left by many other federal and state broadband programs introduced over the last 10 years, such as Connect America Fund (CAF), Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), USDA ReConnect, American Rescue Plan (ARP) and others. Simply stated, BEAD was enacted because other, less comprehensive programs did not completely close the gap.
Because BEAD is trying to identify the millions of locations that do not have adequate broadband AND that will not be funded by other programs, the database/mapping integrity challenges have been enormous. In addition, states have obligations to constituents and local service providers to ensure fairness of the award process, maintain compliance with state procurement rules, prevent unneeded buildout or over-building and enable affordability for residents. The NTIA is charged with seeing that the funding is awarded in the manner intended by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This complexity has resulted in a lengthy, long-term process.
Despite frustration over the complexity and lengthy timelines (so far three years), BEAD funding is critical for regional service providers to build out and provide broadband to those unserved or underserved areas that have long been so financially and physically challenging.
BEAD is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help their communities leap into broadband.
A10 Networks provides critical core network solutions that help RSPs secure and scale their networks more efficiently as they grow. We have worked with a number of regional ISPs to provide carrier-grade networking/CGNAT, DDoS protection, DNS security and other key elements. More details can be found here.
