A consortium of leading broadband organizations has unveiled a strategic paper titled "Permitting Success: Closing the Digital Divide Through Local Broadband Permitting", designed to simplify the permitting process for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and local governments. This initiative is pivotal at a time when the U.S. is focusing on expanding broadband infrastructure, especially with the implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, the largest broadband initiative in the country's history.
The paper, a collaborative effort by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy, among others, provides a comprehensive guide featuring case studies, strategic checklists, and key categories for successful permitting. These include fostering partnerships, maximizing resources, and ensuring transparency. The findings are based on a national summit that gathered over 30 permitting leaders from various sectors, highlighting the collective effort to address the challenges in broadband deployment.
Drew Garner of the Benton Institute emphasized the paper's role in aiding local governments to operate efficiently, a critical factor in the success of closing the digital divide. Similarly, Natalie Roisman from the Georgetown Law Institute pointed out the importance of the collaborative approach in bringing together diverse expert perspectives. The paper's release is timely, as the broadband industry prepares for extensive network construction, with Gary Bolton of the Fiber Broadband Association noting its value in ensuring networks are built correctly from the outset.
The "Permitting Success" paper is more than just a guide for infrastructure development; it represents a step towards economic growth, enhanced education, and improved quality of life for millions, particularly in underserved areas. As the U.S. strives for universal broadband access, this paper is a crucial tool in overcoming bureaucratic obstacles and making the vision of connected households a reality.
