The FCBA State and Local Practice Committee will sponsor a CLE on Tuesday, February 6 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET entitled Billions for Broadband: An Update on the BEAD Grant Process and What’s Next for 2024.  This program will be held virtually via the Zoom platform.

 The FCBA will apply for 2.0 hours of MCLE credit from the VA Bar.  This program has not yet been approved.

FCBA no longer offers CA MCLE credit to attendees.  If you wish to obtain CA credit, you must apply for it on your own.  FCBA will, however, provide a generic certificate of attendance that may be used.  Please click here for more information on the CA Bar Standards for MCLE Activity Approval and Requirements.

Online registration is closed.  Please contact Elina Gross at elina@fcba.org to register.

AGENDA

2:00 – 2:10 pm                 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

2:10 – 3:05 pm                 State Regulators Speak About the BEAD Process

Panelists:
Brian Allenby, Program Operations and Communications Director, Maine Connectivity Authority
Erin Benal, Broadband Development Coordinator, Texas Broadband Development Office
Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of Broadband Development, Kansas Department of Commerce
Mark Vasconi, Former Director, Washington State Broadband Office

Moderator:
Mark Trinchero, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LL

The panel will give an overview of where the BEAD process currently stands at the start of 2024. Panelists will discuss states’ draft Initial Proposals for BEAD funding, which were submitted to NTIA by the end of 2023, and talk about issues raised during the public comment process. Panelists will also discuss funding expectations, as well as what’s next for state broadband offices, including the NTIA feedback process on Initial Proposals, the process for upcoming challenges to eligible locations identified on broadband maps, and the subgrantee selection process.

3:05 – 4:00 pm                 Stakeholder Representatives Speak About the BEAD Process

Panelists:
Stephanie Cassioppi, Senior Director, Government Affairs, U.S. Cellular
Alex Minard, Vice President and Lead Legislative Counsel, NCTA
Sean Stokes, Partner, Keller and Heckman LLP

Moderator:
Matt DeTura, Counsel for External and State Affairs, CTIA

The panel will discuss the perspective of likely applicants for subgrants on the BEAD grant process. Panelists will talk about their feedback to states’ Initial Proposals, and any issues that have arisen as a result. Topics will also include the challenge process, non-priority broadband projects, and issues related to timely deployment.

Cost: $135.00 for Private Sector Members; $95.00 for Non-Profit 501c3 Members; $50.00 for Government/Academic/Transitional/Retired Members; No charge for Law Student Members; $205.00 for Non-Members