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Members, providers cite permitting, workforce and mapping problems as key deployment bottlenecks
Summary
Committee witnesses pointed to permitting backlogs, workforce shortages and remaining mapping issues as major practical barriers that slow broadband builds even when funding is approved.
Several witnesses told the subcommittee that administrative hurdles beyond BEED’s NOFO are slowing deployment: permitting delays on federal and utility lands, workforce shortages, and remaining gaps in broadband coverage maps.
Tom Donovan and Grant Spellmeyer said permitting processes at federal agencies, utilities, and local authorities can impose months- or years-long delays. Spellmeyer described projects “3 years in the queue” for routine utility approvals and urged enforcement of shot-clocks and better interagency…
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