The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), represents a historic federal investment in broadband infrastructure for unserved and underserved areas. However, accessing and utilizing these funds involves a complex legal landscape, requiring careful attention to regulatory compliance, funding distribution, and contract negotiations.

This CLE course will provide attorneys with the knowledge needed to navigate these challenges effectively. Attendees will examine the intricate legal aspects of broadband deployment, including state-level funding allocation and the contractual obligations tied to infrastructure expansion.

The course will also address critical issues such as:

• Avoiding legal missteps related to technology preferences, including concerns about fiber bias
• Meeting NTIA requirements for prevailing wages and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) under shifting federal priorities
• Understanding environmental regulations and land use laws that impact broadband projects
• Overcoming barriers to right-of-way access for infrastructure installation
• Clarifying the distinctions between unserved, underserved, and Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs)
• Assessing net neutrality’s role in broadband expansion policies
• Addressing concerns over broadband mapping accuracy and coverage data verification
• Structuring successful public-private partnerships to maximize project success

With BEAD funding opening new opportunities—and legal risks—this session will equip attorneys with essential strategies for advising clients in broadband infrastructure deployment.