Misty Ann Giles, Montana's Department of Administration director, discussed the state's response to recent BEAD program policy changes. Her team prioritizes understanding vague timelines as they prepare to enable unlicensed fixed wireless (ULFW) providers in the application process. With an upcoming NTIA call, the state aims to clarify guidelines and adjust its application scoring due to the new guidance, which fundamentally alters previous criteria. Montana plans to engage ULFW providers soon and reopen the prequalification application window.
Giles highlighted that the priority is understanding the new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment timelines, stating that clarity is key to effective implementation.
The introduction of unlicensed fixed wireless technology into the BEAD application process signifies a significant shift in scoring metrics and operational strategies for service providers.
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