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WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH BEAD DEPLOYMENT?
This episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby goes deep into the latest roadblocks in broadband expansion. Caleb and Josh Etheridge, the brother duo behind EPC, break down their recent trip to Washington D.C., where an executive order froze all federally funded broadband projects, including BEAD. Instead of pushing progress, they found themselves tackling critical funding delays that are leaving the industry in limbo.
- What really happened in D.C.? A firsthand look at Washington Mardi Gras and why it matters for the future of broadband.
- BEAD funding: stalled. Louisiana led the way—checking every box before any other state and coming in 40% under budget. So why is the money still sitting?
- The real impact. Small ISPs, manufacturers, and contractors have poured millions into the workforce training and equipment. Now, without clarity, their investments are at risk.
- A call to action. Caleb and Josh lay out what needs to happen next and why the fiber industry must come together to break through the gridlock.
We’re talking government slowdowns, industry upheaval, and what’s next for broadband deployment in Louisiana and beyond. Don’t miss it!
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
01:21 Washington Mardi Gras Experience
04:21 Impact of Executive Order on Fiber Industry
05:25 Challenges and Discussions with Legislators
06:38 State-Level BEAD Program Insights
10:56 Concerns Over Federal Regulations and Funding
21:31 Build America, Buy America (BABA) Compliance
25:43 Congressional Approval and Power Dynamics
26:30 Unified Voice for Louisiana's Internet
27:45 Challenges and Expectations in Broadband Deployment
29:42 Mapping and Auditing Internet Services
31:27 Fiber vs. Alternate Technologies
35:37 Broadband Funding and Non-Deployment Dollars
44:09 Call to Action for ISP’s and Contractors
49:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
How is the BEAD freeze impacting you? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your perspective on the future of fiber.
#BroadbandExpansion #BEADFunding #FiberDeployment #Infrastructure #AmericanManufacturing #BABA #TalkFiberToMeBaby #WeAreEPC
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By EPCThis episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby goes deep into the latest roadblocks in broadband expansion. Caleb and Josh Etheridge, the brother duo behind EPC, break down their recent trip to Washington D.C., where an executive order froze all federally funded broadband projects, including BEAD. Instead of pushing progress, they found themselves tackling critical funding delays that are leaving the industry in limbo.
- What really happened in D.C.? A firsthand look at Washington Mardi Gras and why it matters for the future of broadband.
- BEAD funding: stalled. Louisiana led the way—checking every box before any other state and coming in 40% under budget. So why is the money still sitting?
- The real impact. Small ISPs, manufacturers, and contractors have poured millions into the workforce training and equipment. Now, without clarity, their investments are at risk.
- A call to action. Caleb and Josh lay out what needs to happen next and why the fiber industry must come together to break through the gridlock.
We’re talking government slowdowns, industry upheaval, and what’s next for broadband deployment in Louisiana and beyond. Don’t miss it!
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
01:21 Washington Mardi Gras Experience
04:21 Impact of Executive Order on Fiber Industry
05:25 Challenges and Discussions with Legislators
06:38 State-Level BEAD Program Insights
10:56 Concerns Over Federal Regulations and Funding
21:31 Build America, Buy America (BABA) Compliance
25:43 Congressional Approval and Power Dynamics
26:30 Unified Voice for Louisiana's Internet
27:45 Challenges and Expectations in Broadband Deployment
29:42 Mapping and Auditing Internet Services
31:27 Fiber vs. Alternate Technologies
35:37 Broadband Funding and Non-Deployment Dollars
44:09 Call to Action for ISP’s and Contractors
49:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
How is the BEAD freeze impacting you? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your perspective on the future of fiber.
#BroadbandExpansion #BEADFunding #FiberDeployment #Infrastructure #AmericanManufacturing #BABA #TalkFiberToMeBaby #WeAreEPC