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County broadband team warned federal BEAD guidance voided earlier state applications; satellite and fixed wireless gain attention
Summary
BCBIT and broadband consultants told commissioners that recent NTIA guidance has nullified prior state BEAD applications and introduced technology-neutral language that could prioritize fixed wireless and low-earth-orbit satellite options alongside fiber.
County broadband staff and commissioners reported updates on federal guidance for BEAD funding, ongoing BC BIT buildout, and the role of satellite and fixed-wireless technologies at the June 19 meeting.
According to the report, Connected Nation Michigan and the county’s broadband consultant (DCS Technologies) briefed commissioners on a recent NTIA notice that impacted the state’s previously submitted BEAD applications: staff said the state-level applications are currently considered null and void pending the NTIA’s updated guidance. The Michigan Internet Office (MiHI) will reportedly have a rapid implementation timeline and may open a short application window once the state receives NTIA direction.
Commissioners and the BC BIT update noted a few related points: - The BC BIT construction is about 74% complete in many project areas; planned next build-out communities include 3 Oaks, Chikaming, Galien, New Buffalo, Hartford and Watervliet. - Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services (for example, Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper/Kubrick-type systems) were discussed as emerging options. The report said only about 2% of the population could currently use LEO services in the county because of alignment and array requirements. - NTIA guidance emphasized technology neutrality, which expands the field beyond fiber to include fixed wireless and satellite options; commissioners said that comparison complicates evaluation because technologies are not directly comparable.
Commissioners said they had been in touch with federal representatives (including Congressman Huizenga and Congressman Wahlberg) to explain county-specific needs and to advocate for approaches that would close the remaining unserved addresses (roughly 1,400 addresses cited in discussion). No formal county action on BEAD or procurement was recorded in the transcript.
