The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has been transformative in directing federal dollars to unserved and underserved communities. As allocations near completion and the program moves into implementation, internet service providers (ISPs) are entering a post-BEAD landscape where the rules of competition are shifting. While the largest federal dollars have been allocated, gaps remain for broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) that were a part of RDOF defaults or BEAD project areas that lacked bids. These gaps offer opportunities for smaller, agile providers who can act quickly and strategically.
Why Post-BEAD Competition Matters
BEAD has created both certainty and constraints. Locations with BEAD funding will soon be locked in with designated providers. However, recent developments have revealed that not all unserved areas are fully accounted for. Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) defaults, BSLs excluded due to BEAD timing cutoffs, and areas that received no bids have left pockets of demand outside of funded BEAD areas. Additionally, there are indications of bad reporting leaving thousands of households without service.
For wireless internet service providers (WISPs), this means that the post-BEAD environment is a new playing field. Locations that were defaulted or left unclaimed often represent areas that larger providers found challenging due to high construction costs and inflation, supply chain issues, or lower than projected take rates. These constraints do not automatically rule out service; rather, they highlight areas where flexible deployment models and local knowledge can make a difference.
WISP Expansion Opportunities Post-BEAD
WISPs are uniquely positioned to leverage these broadband deployment gaps. Fixed wireless technology allows for rapid deployment in lower-density or hard-to-reach areas that may be cost-prohibitive for traditional fiber builds. Providers who already operate near these locations have an advantage through existing towers, spectrum licenses, and familiarity with local geography and customer demand.
WISPs that leverage local partnerships, whether through co-ops, municipalities, or other local providers, can extend reach into areas that are otherwise cost-prohibitive. These relationships provide market insight and operational advantages, such as expedited permitting, community buy-in, and reduced overhead for deployment.
Being hyper-local also matters. WISPs that understand community needs, such as prioritizing schools, medical facilities, or other Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs), can create offerings that ensure strong take rates and ROI.
Post-BEAD WISP Strategic Considerations
Even with opportunities, WISPs must be realistic. The locations left unclaimed by BEAD or RDOF are often challenging due to higher costs or lower expected take rates. However, small providers’ operational agility, local relationships, and flexible technology choices can turn these locations into sustainable deployments. Leveraging broadband planning tools can accelerate decision-making and reduce risk, allowing providers to quickly evaluate whether serving a particular BSL makes sense.
WISPs Looking Forward
Ultimately, competing in a post-BEAD world requires a balance of speed, data-driven analysis, and smart deployment choices. Those who can act quickly, plan with accurate data, and align service models to the realities of the community can convert the gaps into tangible opportunities. For WISPs, this is less about competing with national carriers and more about strategic selection, efficiency, and community-focused execution.