1 00:00:00,110 --> 00:00:04,460 Intro: The following program is brought to you by the Tennessee Broadband Association. 2 00:00:04,850 --> 00:00:10,580 Lead Tennessee Radio, conversations with the leaders moving our state forward. 3 00:00:10,610 --> 00:00:18,230 We look at the issues shaping Tennessee's future: rural development, public policy, broadband, 4 00:00:18,230 --> 00:00:22,820 healthcare, and other topics impacting our communities. 5 00:00:23,690 --> 00:00:26,870 Carrie Huckeby: Hello everyone. I'm Carrie Huckeby with the Tennessee Broadband Association. 6 00:00:27,950 --> 00:00:34,760 Paige Shapiro is here this morning talking to me on this episode of Lead Tennessee Radio. 7 00:00:34,760 --> 00:00:42,710 Paige is NTIA's federal program officer for the state of Tennessee, and she sat down with me about a year ago, if you can 8 00:00:42,710 --> 00:00:43,790 believe it, Paige, a year. 9 00:00:43,790 --> 00:00:46,070 Paige Shapiro: That's impossible to believe. 10 00:00:46,070 --> 00:00:47,930 Carrie Huckeby: I know. Where did it go? 11 00:00:48,200 --> 00:00:51,380 To talk about BEAD and digital equity. 12 00:00:51,380 --> 00:00:58,790 There's been a lot of activity in the last year, so I wanted her to come back because I know a lot has happened. 13 00:00:58,790 --> 00:01:04,940 $813 million, to be exact, announced a few months ago is Tennessee's allocation. 14 00:01:04,940 --> 00:01:11,450 So there's many wheels turning in the NTIA and at the state broadband office. 15 00:01:11,450 --> 00:01:13,190 So welcome, Paige. 16 00:01:13,190 --> 00:01:15,770 Like you said, hard to believe a year has gone by. 17 00:01:15,980 --> 00:01:17,420 Paige Shapiro: Yes. Thank you so much. 18 00:01:17,420 --> 00:01:18,800 I'm excited to be here. 19 00:01:18,800 --> 00:01:21,770 And excited that you all had me back. 20 00:01:22,100 --> 00:01:30,080 Carrie Huckeby: Well, of course, we talked last November, and you were fairly 21 00:01:30,080 --> 00:01:31,790 new to NTIA. 22 00:01:31,790 --> 00:01:35,270 So what's the last year look like for you and your role? 23 00:01:35,300 --> 00:01:39,590 Tell us some of the highlights, the successes and even some of the challenges. 24 00:01:40,450 --> 00:01:47,440 Paige Shapiro: Yes. So it has been a year of learning and meeting new people. 25 00:01:47,440 --> 00:01:51,220 I've really enjoyed my time at NTIA. 26 00:01:51,460 --> 00:01:58,000 You know, completing the five year action plan was a really big highlight, working with the state broadband office to get that 27 00:01:58,000 --> 00:02:02,590 finished and working with all of you all to write the content for that. 28 00:02:02,590 --> 00:02:09,460 We also partnered, so the state broadband office, partnered with the University of 29 00:02:09,460 --> 00:02:17,080 Tennessee's Public Service Institute, and they came beside us to help write our 30 00:02:17,080 --> 00:02:21,610 digital opportunity plan and our initial proposal. 31 00:02:21,610 --> 00:02:25,000 And that partnership has been really fun. 32 00:02:25,000 --> 00:02:31,720 And then, probably my favorite part about this job is I've done several speaking engagements with i 33 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:36,050 ndustry groups, like the Tennessee Broadband Association. 34 00:02:36,050 --> 00:02:43,890 And I've been invited to do tours and listening sessions to just learn from those who have been in the industry a lot longer than 35 00:02:43,890 --> 00:02:50,460 I have. And that's been a really helpful and also enjoyable experience. 36 00:02:51,270 --> 00:02:56,160 You know, just there are so many great people that work in this industry in Tennessee. 37 00:02:56,370 --> 00:03:03,630 As far as challenges, just like with any governmental entity, you know, the red tape can be 38 00:03:03,630 --> 00:03:10,890 challenging, but to work with such a wonderful group of people that can help you get through and really 39 00:03:10,890 --> 00:03:18,810 collaborate and not throw up their hands and say, "Oh, this is just so difficult." But really being able to come alongside 40 00:03:18,810 --> 00:03:25,190 in partnership to find solutions has – it's been difficult, but it's been really interesting work. 41 00:03:25,760 --> 00:03:33,620 Carrie Huckeby: Well, it's a great industry to be in, so I can imagine just having a year of networking with everyone and learning has 42 00:03:33,620 --> 00:03:35,480 probably been a great part of the job. 43 00:03:35,480 --> 00:03:43,340 And, as you said, we did really appreciate you coming to the TNBA and doing some breakout sessions and some panels because 44 00:03:43,340 --> 00:03:45,590 we always learn from you, Paige. 45 00:03:45,950 --> 00:03:47,840 Paige Shapiro: Good. That's what I want to hear. 46 00:03:47,930 --> 00:03:55,070 Carrie Huckeby: Okay, well, the $813 million allocation for Tennessee is a huge opportunity, of course. 47 00:03:55,070 --> 00:03:58,900 And NTIA isn't just saying, "Here's the money. 48 00:03:58,900 --> 00:04:06,800 Do with it what you will and build a network." There's a checklist, and it requires in the 49 00:04:06,800 --> 00:04:10,190 beginning stages that you meet with the communities. 50 00:04:10,190 --> 00:04:14,750 And I'm sure UT was very helpful in that part. 51 00:04:14,750 --> 00:04:20,750 And meeting with communities and stakeholders, talking to marginalized communities. 52 00:04:21,050 --> 00:04:27,240 And as you said, developing that five year plan and those initial proposals. 53 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:34,820 NTIA has some high bar objectives in addition to reaching the unserved and 54 00:04:34,820 --> 00:04:36,500 underserved areas. 55 00:04:36,530 --> 00:04:44,090 Tell us a little bit about why NTIA felt that these other items were important to include, you 56 00:04:44,090 --> 00:04:47,420 know, other things besides just get out there and build that network? 57 00:04:48,470 --> 00:04:53,870 Paige Shapiro: Absolutely. So it's always important to start with the statute. 58 00:04:53,870 --> 00:04:57,740 So we received our funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law. 59 00:04:58,460 --> 00:05:03,410 And this is truly a historic amount of funding. 60 00:05:03,410 --> 00:05:11,000 NTIA wanted to be sure that we were great stewards of those taxpayer dollars, and that we spent it in the right ways. 61 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:18,860 So of course, like you mentioned, we wanted to be sure that we engaged historically left out 62 00:05:18,860 --> 00:05:26,630 communities. And we want to be sure that we heard from industry and those with 63 00:05:26,630 --> 00:05:34,430 internet service that wasn't serving their needs and those that didn't have it at all, that we are actually solving the 64 00:05:34,430 --> 00:05:41,970 problem in ways that will last us for literally a generation. 65 00:05:41,970 --> 00:05:45,000 So we talk about this as once in a generation funding. 66 00:05:45,000 --> 00:05:52,860 And we really want this infrastructure investment to carry us through, you know, this 67 00:05:52,860 --> 00:06:00,690 generation. And so we're really focusing on, you know, making sure that our networks are resilient 68 00:06:00,690 --> 00:06:08,040 and making sure that, you know, we are going to have good paying jobs that come out of this 69 00:06:08,040 --> 00:06:15,360 funding in the communities where we're building the infrastructure, where it doesn't currently exist. 70 00:06:15,360 --> 00:06:19,680 So, you know, it's so much more than a network. 71 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:27,300 It really is making sure that people have access to the infrastructure they need to thrive, 72 00:06:27,300 --> 00:06:34,320 making sure that people have access to jobs that can help support their families, making sure that our 73 00:06:34,320 --> 00:06:39,630 industry can sustain the investment long term. 74 00:06:39,630 --> 00:06:47,550 So that is the purpose for having such a high bar, is we really want to be sure that at the end of 75 00:06:47,550 --> 00:06:51,060 this, we can step back and say, "We did it." 76 00:06:51,390 --> 00:06:53,670 Carrie Huckeby: Yes, it's all about connectivity. 77 00:06:53,670 --> 00:06:56,070 We want everyone to be connected. 78 00:06:56,070 --> 00:07:00,870 And part of that challenge, I think, is digital equity and affordability. 79 00:07:01,830 --> 00:07:03,780 And we have talked about that quite a bit. 80 00:07:03,780 --> 00:07:09,810 It's an important piece for the adoption to ensure that as many as possible are connected. 81 00:07:09,930 --> 00:07:17,880 The ACP program is managed by the FCC, and funds were appropriated so that there 82 00:07:17,880 --> 00:07:21,870 was a $30 credit given, I think, to consumers that qualify. 83 00:07:21,870 --> 00:07:28,710 And I know our broadband providers have really pushed that over the last few years to get that out there and educate their 84 00:07:28,710 --> 00:07:35,910 consumers. NTIA is requiring providers to participate in an ACP, but 85 00:07:36,510 --> 00:07:44,010 we all know the rumors, and we all know the talk that the program may not be funded next year, and that may go 86 00:07:44,010 --> 00:07:45,120 away. 87 00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:51,870 If the fund does go away, and of course, there's also rumors that it'll be covered by something else, and those appropriations will 88 00:07:51,870 --> 00:07:55,560 come to keep that program going. 89 00:07:55,560 --> 00:08:03,510 But if it were to go away, what happens to NTIA's requirement that providers have a 90 00:08:03,510 --> 00:08:05,340 low cost option? 91 00:08:05,550 --> 00:08:13,260 You know, is the ideal that that $30 is the low cost rate or, you know, will you be able to determine what that low cost rate 92 00:08:13,260 --> 00:08:16,170 is per company or region or something like that? 93 00:08:16,170 --> 00:08:17,970 Talk about that just a little bit. 94 00:08:18,300 --> 00:08:25,800 Paige Shapiro: Yes. So the low cost service option is a requirement of the bipartisan infrastructure law. 95 00:08:25,800 --> 00:08:33,330 So even if the Affordable Connectivity Program goes away, which we 96 00:08:34,050 --> 00:08:41,820 are very confident that our colleagues at the Federal Communications Commission are 97 00:08:41,820 --> 00:08:44,490 working to ensure the integrity of that program. 98 00:08:44,490 --> 00:08:49,200 So I want to be sure that I say that. 99 00:08:49,200 --> 00:08:56,130 But if the ACP did go away and wasn't refunded, 100 00:08:56,520 --> 00:09:03,060 providers would still be required to offer that low cost service option per the law. 101 00:09:03,420 --> 00:09:11,190 That said, the state broadband office in their initial proposal is putting together what 102 00:09:11,190 --> 00:09:14,550 Tennessee's low cost service option will look like. 103 00:09:14,580 --> 00:09:22,470 Tennessee, in their initial proposal, is also creating a contingency plan that will help providers 104 00:09:22,470 --> 00:09:30,000 understand that if ACP does go away, here is the next 105 00:09:30,270 --> 00:09:35,010 step in the process of what providing that low cost option will look like. 106 00:09:35,010 --> 00:09:41,010 So if ACP goes away, it likely will not look the same. 107 00:09:41,010 --> 00:09:48,780 But I will say, number one, Tennessee has not yet submitted that initial proposal with that suggestion to 108 00:09:48,780 --> 00:09:52,710 NTIA. So we have not yet reviewed it, and it is not approved. 109 00:09:52,920 --> 00:10:00,630 And then also no plan is firm and unchanging and approved 110 00:10:00,630 --> 00:10:01,650 until it's approved. 111 00:10:01,650 --> 00:10:05,520 So there's quite the process on the NTIA side. 112 00:10:05,520 --> 00:10:13,050 And our assistant secretary, Secretary Davidson, is reviewing every single plan, 113 00:10:13,050 --> 00:10:20,550 and the low cost option is one of the many things that he's making sure makes sense for not only industry, but the 114 00:10:20,550 --> 00:10:22,530 citizens of our state. 115 00:10:23,310 --> 00:10:28,350 Carrie Huckeby: Well, as we said in the introduction, there are a lot of wheels turning. 116 00:10:29,220 --> 00:10:32,760 So and a lot of pieces to this huge puzzle. 117 00:10:32,760 --> 00:10:37,620 So, I know that there's a lot of things being figured out and considered. 118 00:10:38,460 --> 00:10:42,960 In the checklist probably gets longer instead of shorter, right? 119 00:10:43,320 --> 00:10:45,060 Paige Shapiro: Yes, absolutely. 120 00:10:45,060 --> 00:10:52,350 And I just want to flag for you all that your state broadband office is incredible 121 00:10:52,350 --> 00:10:59,940 and is doing a wonderful job advocating what is best for you all as the industry, as well 122 00:10:59,940 --> 00:11:07,200 as what it means to be a resident in Tennessee and making sure that this funding is accessible and 123 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:14,880 sustainable. So when you get the opportunity, you should definitely thank Taylre Beaty and her team because they're 124 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:19,980 doing a really good job trying to make this work for everyone. 125 00:11:19,980 --> 00:11:22,150 Carrie Huckeby: 100% agree. 126 00:11:22,150 --> 00:11:29,400 They do a great job there, and we're very fortunate to have Taylre and her team. 127 00:11:29,400 --> 00:11:31,740 They've been great to work with, for sure. 128 00:11:32,070 --> 00:11:39,750 So the question I get asked a lot from our associate members and platinum members, is 129 00:11:39,750 --> 00:11:42,690 when can we expect this to happen? 130 00:11:42,690 --> 00:11:46,800 What's a realistic date to see funding awarded and projects started? 131 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:55,080 Louisiana just announced the great news that their BEAD plan was approved by 132 00:11:55,080 --> 00:11:58,020 NTIA. That's great news for them. 133 00:11:58,020 --> 00:12:00,390 They've done a lot of work. 134 00:12:00,390 --> 00:12:03,900 So what's the next step for Louisiana? 135 00:12:03,900 --> 00:12:10,740 And when these plans are approved, what kind of timeline is the state 136 00:12:11,280 --> 00:12:17,730 looking at to actually submit start submitting applications or receive funding? 137 00:12:18,540 --> 00:12:23,280 Paige Shapiro: Yes. So I am not Louisiana's FPO, as you know. 138 00:12:24,210 --> 00:12:25,230 Carrie Huckeby: True, true. 139 00:12:25,410 --> 00:12:33,120 Paige Shapiro: But no, it's helpful because I did want to highlight that every state is a bit on its 140 00:12:33,120 --> 00:12:36,270 own trajectory and its own timeline. 141 00:12:36,270 --> 00:12:36,660 Carrie Huckeby: Okay. 142 00:12:36,660 --> 00:12:43,620 Paige Shapiro: But if you look at Louisiana, Tennessee will follow a very similar path. 143 00:12:43,620 --> 00:12:51,600 So right now, Tennessee has submitted its volume one, which really focuses 144 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:56,280 on here is how we are going to run the state challenge process. 145 00:12:56,280 --> 00:13:03,780 And as a reminder, I know that you all know this, and I've said it a million times in the last year, but our state challenge 146 00:13:03,780 --> 00:13:11,220 process really helps the state finalize which broadband serviceable locations 147 00:13:11,220 --> 00:13:13,860 are eligible to receive BEAD funding. 148 00:13:13,860 --> 00:13:20,670 So the state challenge process is incredibly important, and I hope that you all are planning to participate in that. 149 00:13:20,850 --> 00:13:27,300 So all of that said, so right now Tennessee's volume one is under 150 00:13:28,440 --> 00:13:30,570 review with NTIA. 151 00:13:30,840 --> 00:13:38,430 After that volume one is approved, Tennessee will get ready to run 152 00:13:39,300 --> 00:13:40,830 the state challenge process. 153 00:13:40,830 --> 00:13:48,090 And so you're going to see based on your timeline, it will start somewhere around late 154 00:13:48,090 --> 00:13:52,350 January to mid February, somewhere in that window. 155 00:13:52,350 --> 00:13:54,600 And it will run for 75 days. 156 00:13:54,780 --> 00:14:02,460 So on December 20th, the state broadband office is submitting their initial proposal, volume 157 00:14:02,460 --> 00:14:10,260 two. What the volume two communicates is how the state of Tennessee will run 158 00:14:10,260 --> 00:14:13,920 the BEAD subgrantee process. 159 00:14:13,920 --> 00:14:21,750 And so while Tennessee is getting its state challenge process ready and running that state challenge 160 00:14:21,750 --> 00:14:26,730 process, NTIA will be reviewing our volume two. 161 00:14:27,000 --> 00:14:34,200 After the volume two is approved, the state will have one year to 162 00:14:35,220 --> 00:14:42,960 run its subgrantee process, award subgrantees, do everything that they need to do to 163 00:14:42,960 --> 00:14:45,090 complete their final proposal. 164 00:14:45,330 --> 00:14:53,160 The final proposal will be submitted to NTIA for review, and then money goes out 165 00:14:53,160 --> 00:14:54,390 and projects can start. 166 00:14:54,390 --> 00:14:57,920 So we're talking about, you know, shovels in the ground. 167 00:14:57,920 --> 00:15:05,250 The exact timeline of what that looks like, I know that what you asked me for at the beginning was a date, and that's just really 168 00:15:05,250 --> 00:15:12,840 difficult to determine, because it really depends on, you know, how 169 00:15:13,620 --> 00:15:19,800 quickly the state can turn around NTIA's feedback and how quickly NTIA can get through review. 170 00:15:19,950 --> 00:15:27,570 So there's a lot of things at play when you're funding 56 states, but I will 171 00:15:27,570 --> 00:15:35,490 say that if you look, the earliest that we're going to be shovels in the 172 00:15:35,490 --> 00:15:39,920 ground is 2025 at the very, very earliest. 173 00:15:39,920 --> 00:15:42,840 When in 2025 is hard to say. 174 00:15:43,650 --> 00:15:45,870 Carrie Huckeby: That's completely understandable. 175 00:15:45,900 --> 00:15:53,160 I know a lot of people have said that it would look, you know, it would be 2025 to 2026, 176 00:15:53,160 --> 00:15:58,980 depending on when those reports and things were approved. 177 00:15:58,980 --> 00:16:06,120 So you know, I think that 2025 mark is what is in everyone's head, 178 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,100 sometime that year. 179 00:16:08,100 --> 00:16:09,510 So that's good. 180 00:16:09,510 --> 00:16:12,930 It's, you know, it's a goal and a target, for sure. 181 00:16:13,260 --> 00:16:20,970 Paige Shapiro: Yes. And I will say that again, your state broadband office is trying to get it 182 00:16:20,970 --> 00:16:23,400 done as quickly as possible. 183 00:16:23,400 --> 00:16:30,150 They want to ensure that every Tennessean is connected as quickly as possible. 184 00:16:30,150 --> 00:16:37,740 They know the urgency of the issue, and so they're doing everything they can to collaborate and get feedback, but also 185 00:16:37,740 --> 00:16:39,150 move through the process. 186 00:16:39,270 --> 00:16:46,740 Carrie Huckeby: Well, as you said earlier, too, it's an historical infrastructure bill and appropriation, the 187 00:16:46,740 --> 00:16:47,990 funding. 188 00:16:47,990 --> 00:16:53,940 You certainly want, the urgency is there, but you certainly want to do it right. 189 00:16:53,940 --> 00:16:55,770 Paige Shapiro: Exactly. 190 00:16:55,770 --> 00:17:01,770 Carrie Huckeby: You can definitely respect the time that it takes to pull all those pieces together. 191 00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:09,390 And speaking of time, so when, let's say we're looking at 2025 and people are putting shovels in the ground or our 192 00:17:09,390 --> 00:17:11,810 providers are doing that. 193 00:17:11,810 --> 00:17:17,520 When the project starts, there's a requirement to complete within four years. 194 00:17:17,520 --> 00:17:24,780 And since there are concerns, you know, we've had a lot of conversations about workforce, supply chain, 195 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:30,480 permitting, environmental studies, just Mother Nature on our own. 196 00:17:31,140 --> 00:17:36,090 How flexible do you see NTIA being with deadlines or delay requests? 197 00:17:36,750 --> 00:17:43,650 Is that something that you're, you know, looking into the future and know that's going to be something you're going to be 198 00:17:43,650 --> 00:17:44,670 challenged with? 199 00:17:45,630 --> 00:17:53,580 Paige Shapiro: Yes. So we absolutely understand that these challenges that we have identified, and 200 00:17:53,580 --> 00:17:59,130 probably some challenges that we haven't yet identified, will absolutely present themselves. 201 00:17:59,130 --> 00:18:06,600 And NTIA has been incredibly proactive and trying to head these off as much as we 202 00:18:06,600 --> 00:18:14,160 can. So, you know, there's been a lot of work with industry, nonprofits, you know, experts 203 00:18:14,610 --> 00:18:22,020 in the field to help us make sure that we're doing everything we can to prevent these delays from 204 00:18:22,020 --> 00:18:29,850 happening. That said, there are 56 states and territories who are trying to do very similar 205 00:18:29,850 --> 00:18:31,200 projects at one time. 206 00:18:31,200 --> 00:18:38,670 And so when these different delays occur, and they could look very different in states, right? 207 00:18:38,670 --> 00:18:46,320 So in some states the construction window is very small of when you can actually construct just because again of the 208 00:18:46,320 --> 00:18:52,260 weather. So, you know, they may experience a different delay than Tennessee, for example. 209 00:18:52,650 --> 00:18:57,120 And so NTIA, I like to say that NTIA is reasonable. 210 00:18:57,420 --> 00:18:59,580 We are reasonable people. 211 00:18:59,580 --> 00:19:07,410 And so I think that as those present themselves in the future years, you know, I wish I had a crystal ball. 212 00:19:07,410 --> 00:19:09,960 I wish I could tell you exactly what was going to happen. 213 00:19:09,960 --> 00:19:17,850 But I feel confident that NTIA will work with states to make sure that we ultimately meet our goal of 214 00:19:17,850 --> 00:19:18,900 internet for all. 215 00:19:19,290 --> 00:19:20,710 Carrie Huckeby: That makes sense. 216 00:19:20,710 --> 00:19:28,440 It's certainly will be different putting up a network in North Dakota than it will be in Tennessee. 217 00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:28,800 Paige Shapiro: Right. 218 00:19:29,070 --> 00:19:34,080 Carrie Huckeby: And also workforce wise, you know, where the availability is. 219 00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:41,130 So I can certainly see having to look at every one of those 56 territories differently. 220 00:19:41,460 --> 00:19:47,610 Recently, I saw the announcement that NTIA made some changes to the letter of credit requirement. 221 00:19:47,610 --> 00:19:52,800 I know in the beginning there were lots of questions about that, and maybe some concerns. 222 00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:58,080 Was that change made due to the feedback from the states or other reasons? 223 00:19:58,080 --> 00:20:06,060 And are there any other items that NTIA is evaluating that could change before, you know the final decisions 224 00:20:06,060 --> 00:20:06,720 are done? 225 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:08,670 Paige Shapiro: Great question. 226 00:20:08,670 --> 00:20:15,870 So as you all know, the letter of credit was in our notice of public 227 00:20:16,230 --> 00:20:24,000 funding, and we knew from the beginning that there may be additional flexibility that was 228 00:20:24,000 --> 00:20:27,180 needed when we put that in there. 229 00:20:27,180 --> 00:20:33,870 So the purpose of the letter of credit was really to ensure that those states and 230 00:20:33,870 --> 00:20:40,920 territories could evaluate whether BEAD applicants had the financial 231 00:20:41,490 --> 00:20:44,730 capacity to deliver the network. 232 00:20:44,730 --> 00:20:47,180 And that is required by the statute, by the way. 233 00:20:47,180 --> 00:20:50,480 So this is not something that NTIA layered. 234 00:20:50,510 --> 00:20:52,910 This is in the bipartisan infrastructure law. 235 00:20:52,940 --> 00:20:53,330 Carrie Huckeby: Okay. 236 00:20:53,330 --> 00:21:00,890 Paige Shapiro: Well, we recognized immediately that some prospective subgrantees may be able to demonstrate their capabilities using 237 00:21:00,890 --> 00:21:03,530 methods other than the letter of credit. 238 00:21:03,530 --> 00:21:07,970 And so we put a waiver opportunity in place. 239 00:21:07,970 --> 00:21:15,770 However, we heard concerns from stakeholders everywhere that the letter of credit would maybe have an adverse 240 00:21:15,770 --> 00:21:18,770 effect on small and medium internet service providers. 241 00:21:18,770 --> 00:21:25,940 And in addition, some smaller women-owned and minority-owned businesses didn't necessarily have the relationships that they 242 00:21:25,940 --> 00:21:28,730 needed with the qualified financial institutions. 243 00:21:28,730 --> 00:21:36,020 So instead of allowing everyone to submit the one off waiver process, 244 00:21:37,100 --> 00:21:44,540 we created a conditional waiver process that gave more structure to the other ways that 245 00:21:44,540 --> 00:21:47,630 subgrantees could meet the letter of credit requirements. 246 00:21:47,630 --> 00:21:53,180 So we knew from the beginning, when we wrote the NOFO that things like this were going to happen. 247 00:21:53,210 --> 00:21:59,990 We listened to industry and business owners, and we changed what we could. 248 00:21:59,990 --> 00:22:04,730 And we gave the flexibility that we could to still be in compliance with the law. 249 00:22:04,910 --> 00:22:09,680 And this just happened to be something where we had the ability to do that. 250 00:22:09,950 --> 00:22:17,930 Right now, I do not know if there are other things, like letter of credit, that are being 251 00:22:17,930 --> 00:22:25,730 considered, but I do know that NTIA continues to solicit and receive feedback 252 00:22:25,730 --> 00:22:26,960 from our stakeholders. 253 00:22:26,960 --> 00:22:34,610 So if there is a risk that you all see or something's really not working for you, then we encourage you to tell 254 00:22:34,640 --> 00:22:41,060 NTIA, so we can be flexible within, you know, our means. 255 00:22:41,060 --> 00:22:48,320 We can't just go rewrite the bipartisan infrastructure law, but we can do things like what we did with letter of credit. 256 00:22:48,590 --> 00:22:56,540 Carrie Huckeby: Yes. And I think from the beginning that it's been good to NTIA to open up, and the broadband offices, 257 00:22:56,540 --> 00:23:04,460 to open up the conversations so that we can give feedback about the concerns, and that in some cases, there can 258 00:23:04,460 --> 00:23:07,790 be a workaround or another solution like the letter of credit. 259 00:23:07,790 --> 00:23:10,880 And in some instances there may not be. 260 00:23:10,910 --> 00:23:15,020 From the beginning, we've understood that one size does not fit all. 261 00:23:15,470 --> 00:23:23,360 And that's why you as the FPO works with the state of Tennessee to represent our interests versus 262 00:23:23,360 --> 00:23:26,660 putting all 56 territories in the same basket. 263 00:23:26,660 --> 00:23:31,730 So I think that's been a good piece of this. 264 00:23:31,730 --> 00:23:39,470 Is the internet for all website the best way to stay up to date on all that's going on, Paige, if there is a good way to keep up 265 00:23:39,470 --> 00:23:41,540 with all the wheels turning right now? 266 00:23:42,500 --> 00:23:46,400 Paige Shapiro: So the internet for all website is a wonderful resource. 267 00:23:46,400 --> 00:23:51,290 Highly encourage you all to look there. 268 00:23:51,290 --> 00:23:59,180 I would also say to make sure that you're signed up for the broadband office's newsletter. 269 00:23:59,180 --> 00:24:05,990 Right now, they're putting out a lot of great content as it relates to their CPF programs. 270 00:24:05,990 --> 00:24:10,640 But soon we're really going to be turning toward the BEAD program. 271 00:24:11,210 --> 00:24:16,100 So I would absolutely keep up with Taylre and her team that way, if you're not already. 272 00:24:16,100 --> 00:24:22,510 And then the last resource I would point you to is the Broadband USA website. 273 00:24:22,510 --> 00:24:30,110 Where the internet for all is really focused on the consumer, Broadband USA has a lot of 274 00:24:30,110 --> 00:24:33,970 technical assistance for broadband providers. 275 00:24:33,970 --> 00:24:41,870 And there's actually a great technical assistance hub on the Broadband USA website, so you can access that for your more 276 00:24:41,870 --> 00:24:44,420 specific questions and needs. 277 00:24:44,420 --> 00:24:52,370 Carrie Huckeby: Great. I will add those to our TNBA email newsletters so that our members know what those 278 00:24:52,370 --> 00:24:55,520 resources are and where to go to find answers to their questions. 279 00:24:56,930 --> 00:25:03,470 Is there anything else, Paige, that's important you want to add that maybe we didn't cover or talk about? 280 00:25:03,980 --> 00:25:05,270 Paige Shapiro: No, I don't think so. 281 00:25:05,270 --> 00:25:13,100 Maybe the only thing I would add is I continue to be available as a resource for your members. 282 00:25:13,100 --> 00:25:20,420 And if they have questions, they can always reach out to you or contact me directly. 283 00:25:20,420 --> 00:25:25,280 I really want to be someone who can provide answers. 284 00:25:25,280 --> 00:25:29,600 I'm not going to say quick answers because sometimes that is not an option. 285 00:25:29,600 --> 00:25:36,980 But if you have questions, I am happy to advocate to try to get you faster and 286 00:25:36,980 --> 00:25:39,980 accurate answers for questions. 287 00:25:39,980 --> 00:25:42,800 So just continue to use me as a resource as well. 288 00:25:43,130 --> 00:25:48,440 Carrie Huckeby: We will, and we appreciate you being available, Paige, for those emails and phone calls. 289 00:25:48,440 --> 00:25:52,430 And I know you'll agree, won't you, to come back in a year? 290 00:25:52,430 --> 00:25:53,510 Paige Shapiro: Oh please. 291 00:25:53,510 --> 00:25:54,800 I would love to come back. 292 00:25:55,070 --> 00:25:56,510 Carrie Huckeby: All right. Fantastic. 293 00:25:56,600 --> 00:26:02,990 My guest has been Paige Shapiro, Tennessee's federal program officer with the US Department of Commerce. 294 00:26:02,990 --> 00:26:09,710 You've been listening to Lead Tennessee Radio, produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association, cooperative and independent 295 00:26:09,710 --> 00:26:14,870 companies connecting our state's rural communities and beyond with world class broadband.