Lovvorn: Prioritize access, not agendas in Alabama’s broadband funding

Joe Lovvorn represents Lee County in the Alabama Legislature.

In a significant stride toward bridging the digital divide, Alabama is poised to receive a substantial infusion of over 1 billion dollars through the Broadband Equity, Access, & Deployment (BEAD) Program.

This funding is a promising opportunity to expand broadband access, particularly in rural and under-served areas, and connect more Alabamians to the transformative power of the digital world.

However, as we move forward with these plans, it is essential to address concerns regarding some liberal policy recommendations that accompanied the program’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

There is no denying the potential impact of the BEAD Program on our state. Reliable high-speed internet access has become a fundamental requirement in modern society, enhancing education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and even quality of life.

It is heartening to see bipartisan recognition of this need, leading to substantial federal investment in this crucial infrastructure.

However, the path toward achieving this vision must be carefully considered. The BEAD Program’s NOFO includes recommendations that go beyond the immediate scope of broadband expansion and instead propose progressive policies for implementation.

While these suggestions may have their merits in other contexts, their inclusion raises concerns about the federal government’s intent to steer a bipartisan solution in a particular direction.

Our focus should be on efficiently connecting our citizens to broadband, rather than succumbing to political motivations.

The inclusion of these progressive guidelines, including workforce requirements and government-owned networks, hints at an attempt to impose a liberal agenda on a program designed to benefit all Alabamians. This risks undermining the program’s true purpose: closing the digital divide and equipping our state with the tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

I know how important broadband expansion is to Alabama, and I trust Governor Ivey will approach the implementation of the BEAD Program with a clear eye on our state’s unique needs.

Alabama knows what works best for Alabama, and our strategies for deploying broadband infrastructure should reflect our own understanding of our communities, geography, and challenges – not Washington’s. As we navigate the intricacies of deploying high-speed internet to under-served areas, we must prioritize practicality, efficiency, and results over any preconceived political notions.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that following the progressive guidelines of the Biden administration in Alabama will likely slow down the process of getting broadband to the communities that need it most.

Our rural areas have waited for far too long for reliable internet access, and any delay brought about by bureaucratic complications would be a disservice to our citizens.

Let us seize this opportunity to work collaboratively, aligning our efforts with the true spirit of the BEAD Program: unity, efficiency, and progress. By focusing on our shared goal of expanding broadband access and leaving political agendas aside, we can ensure that Alabama remains at the forefront of digital connectivity and economic growth.