- US broadband companies seek relief from 'buy American' mandate for electronic components.
- Domestically sourced fiber optic cable is available, but routers and other electronics are mainly made in other countries.
- Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) requires domestically sourced materials to receive federal assistance.
- Industry fears that without foreign electronics, broadband rollout will be delayed by years.
- The administration is offering mixed signals on the possibility of issuing waivers for foreign products.
Biden Broadband Plan Runs Headlong Into Buy America Mandate
It’s nearly impossible to bring fast internet to rural communities without electronic components that are made in foreign countries
Todd Shields
