3 Ways We're Helping BSPs Navigate the Complexity of BEAD

Broadband has had a transformational impact for millions of Americans, providing access to essential services like education and healthcare, enabling employment opportunities, and fostering economic vitality. The $42.45 Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program promises to expand these benefits to unserved and underserved locations across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and all five United States territories.

Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), BEAD represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for broadband service providers (BSPs) to extend broadband infrastructure to communities that need it most. The BEAD program will also strengthen local vitality in another unique way-by ensuring the materials used in infrastructure are made here in the U.S.

Fueling Job Creation, Boosting Local Economies

Under the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, signed in November 2021, all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in government-funded programs must be produced domestically. For BEAD, that means most fiber broadband equipment-including optical fiber, fiber optic cable, key electronics, and enclosures-will be made in America. Given the massive scope of this program, NTIA has made some exceptions (detailed in this waiver), but the majority of equipment is to be produced locally.

3 Ways We're Helping BSPs Navigate BEAD and BABA

Calix is committed to ensuring our BSP customers are ready to meet the requirements laid out in the BEAD guidelines. The vast portfolio of Calix systems includes U.S.-assembled components to meet requirements for BEAD and BABA. Hardware from manufacturing partners in Michigan (Jabil Inc.) and New Jersey (Hisense Broadband) contribute to seamless BEAD applications for Calix customers. Calix will also follow all guidance from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), as that guidance is issued, to ensure all U.S.-manufactured systems meet BEAD waiver specifications and compliance.

It can be challenging for BSPs to navigate the complexity of complying with BEAD and BABA-and we're taking steps to streamline and simplify this for BSPs:

1. Working with NTIA, we'll make available a centralized list of all BABA-compliant products, making it easier for BSPs to identify and purchase certified products.

2. Products will be stored and shipped out of our Texas distribution center. They will carry BABA-compliant part numbers and orders will be managed as "BEAD orders" so they can be fully documented and tracked back to BEAD funding.

3. BEAD and many other government funding programs include requirements for cybersecurity and supply chain resilience. Calix is a member of NTIA's Communications Supply Chain Risk Information Partnership (C-SCRIP) and adheres to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework.

BABA and BEAD are driving an exciting resurgence in American manufacturing leadership. Together, they will fuel American job creation, boost local economies, and generate small business growth.

Find out how Calix is helping BSPs take advantage of this once-in-a-generation funding opportunity and learn more about Build America, Buy America. Watch our webinar replay, "Mastering BEAD Regulations: The New Build America, Buy America Application Framework Explained."