Maximizing BEAD Funding: The Critical Role of Network and Infrastructure Management Software in Fiber Rollouts

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by: Steve MacDiarmid, Executive Managing Director at FNT Software

As the digital divide continues to shrink, thanks to sweeping federal investment, broadband providers are racing to deploy fiber infrastructure at unprecedented scales. Leading the charge is the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program—an initiative funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that allocates over $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. While the majority of this funding supports the construction of broadband infrastructure in underserved and unserved communities, an often-overlooked component of BEAD is that software for managing broadband deployments—namely, network and infrastructure management software—may be eligible for reimbursement under the program.

This detail is more important than it may seem. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments have reached record highs, revealing a pressing need for more efficient, scalable, and intelligent rollout strategies. Amid this surge, broadband providers face a variety of operational challenges that threaten to slow progress and compromise the quality of service—many of which can be alleviated or eliminated through the use of modern network and infrastructure management tools.

Meeting the Moment: The Challenges of Modern Fiber Rollouts

Fiber infrastructure is more than laying cables underground or stringing them along utility poles. It involves a highly coordinated series of activities—planning, permitting, workforce allocation, inventory tracking, compliance reporting, service monitoring, and more—all while operating within strict deadlines and budget constraints. Here are just a few of the key obstacles broadband providers are facing:

• Lack of Centralized Data: Information is often siloed across departments or tools, making it difficult to maintain a single source of truth for network resources.
• Compliance and Reporting: The BEAD program comes with strict reporting requirements that demand transparency and accountability.
• Service Reliability: Without real-time monitoring, outages can go unnoticed, leading to prolonged downtime and customer dissatisfaction.
• Predictive Maintenance: The inability to anticipate failures or degradation in performance results in reactive, costly repairs.
• Mapping and Permitting Delays: Manual workflows delay permitting and make it harder to optimize build routes.
• Workforce Constraints: With limited skilled labor, efficiency in planning and execution becomes even more essential.

Against this backdrop, success isn’t just about getting fiber into the ground—it’s about deploying and maintaining it with intelligence and precision. And to manage broadband effectively, network and infrastructure management tools are essential. BEAD’s Role in Accelerating Fiber Expansion The BEAD program represents one of the largest broadband funding initiatives in U.S. history. It aims to connect every American household to high-speed internet, with a focus on rural and underserved areas that have long been left behind in the digital economy. In 2024 alone, the U.S. saw its highest-ever volume of fiber installations—driven largely by BEAD-funded projects. But this historic expansion also places new pressure on broadband providers to deploy infrastructure more quickly, cost-effectively, and transparently than ever before. Efficiency isn’t just a best practice under BEAD—it’s a necessity. Delays, compliance violations, or inefficiencies can lead to funding risks or loss of public trust. In this context, network and infrastructure management software is not a luxury—it’s a strategic requirement.

The Complexity of Broadband Infrastructure

Today’s broadband infrastructure is multifaceted, involving a blend of physical assets (fiber, conduit, cabinets), virtual systems (software-defined networks, cloud-based tools), and hybrid environments that integrate the two. Managing this complexity without the right tools leads to operational blind spots and lost opportunities. Manual documentation is particularly problematic. Relying on spreadsheets or disconnected systems to track fiber routes, equipment, and network changes often leads to errors, duplicated work, or missed issues. Moreover, without real-time visibility into network health and progress, project managers and field teams cannot make timely or informed decisions. In high-stakes deployment scenarios—like those funded by BEAD—these shortcomings become magnified. Every delay impacts timelines. Every misstep costs money. Every oversight risks noncompliance.

Network and Infrastructure Management: A Strategic Enabler

The right network and infrastructure management tools empower broadband providers to overcome deployment challenges and align with BEAD’s requirements. Here’s how:

1. Network Inventory and Documentation

Comprehensive, centralized inventory management systems allow providers to track every element of their network—from conduits and splice enclosures to switches and customer premises equipment. This ensures that data is always accurate, accessible, and aligned with reality on the ground. Such visibility also streamlines deployment, as field crews and planners can coordinate using up-to-date maps, schematics, and asset databases—no more guesswork or outdated spreadsheets.

2. Infrastructure Planning and Automation

Automated workflows improve operational efficiency and reduce human error. For example, route planning can be optimized with algorithms that take into account terrain, existing infrastructure, and regulatory requirements. Automated permitting workflows reduce bottlenecks, while task management modules help allocate resources and track progress in real-time. These tools not only improve build speed but also make it easier to document and demonstrate compliance with BEAD reporting requirements.

3. Hybrid Infrastructure Management

Today’s networks aren’t just physical—they’re software-defined, cloud-integrated, and data-driven. Network and infrastructure management platforms allow operators to manage hybrid environments where virtual routers, cloud storage, and physical fiber assets must work together seamlessly. By bridging the gap between traditional infrastructure and modern digital tools, these platforms ensure consistent performance, scalability, and security.

4. Service Assurance and Real-Time Monitoring

Perhaps the most mission-critical feature of these platforms is the ability to monitor and manage service health in real-time. Whether it’s detecting potential faults before they occur or rerouting traffic to avoid congestion, proactive monitoring minimizes downtime and ensures optimal performance. This is especially important in BEAD-funded projects, where uptime and quality of service can influence both public satisfaction and funding continuation. Software as a BEAD Compliance Advantage One of the most overlooked advantages of implementing network and infrastructure management software is its direct alignment with BEAD program requirements. BEAD mandates strict documentation, performance monitoring, and reporting to ensure transparency and accountability in how funds are used. These platforms automate much of this process—capturing logs, generating reports, and providing the audit trails needed to satisfy federal and state agencies. Moreover, with software eligible for reimbursement under BEAD, providers can offset the cost of these solutions—making the investment both financially feasible and strategically sound. Long-Term Gains: Scalability, Cost Savings, and Quality The benefits of network and infrastructure management extend well beyond the BEAD program. By investing in centralized, scalable, and intelligent tools, providers position themselves for:

• Future Expansion: Scalable software platforms support multi-phase rollouts and evolving infrastructure demands.
• Operational Efficiency: Automation reduces manual labor, freeing up limited workforce resources for higher-value tasks.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Predictive maintenance and real-time visibility help prevent expensive repairs and reduce operating expenses.
• Better Customer Experience: Faster deployments, fewer outages, and optimized performance translate to higher customer satisfaction and retention.

Overall, the BEAD program represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the digital divide—but realizing its full potential requires more than just laying fiber. It demands smarter, more efficient, and more accountable deployment strategies—and that’s exactly where network and infrastructure management software is vital. With the right tools, broadband providers can streamline rollouts, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver high-speed internet to those who need it most—all while maximizing their share of BEAD funding. In an industry where timing, transparency, and quality are everything, intelligent management tools aren’t just part of the solution—they’re central to success.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. For specific guidance on eligibility and reimbursement, please consult the appropriate authorities or legal counsel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As the Executive Managing Director for FNT Software in North America, Steve MacDiarmid leads the company’s strategic business development and sales initiatives while expanding partner relationships within data center, telecommunications, enterprise, and airport industries. MacDiarmid has more than 25 years of experience in international telecommunications and IT. Prior to joining FNT Software, MacDiarmid worked at Retarus as Director of Sales in Germany before advancing to President and CEO in North America. He has also held leadership positions at Telefónica, Teleconnect, Deutsche Telecom, and Hilti. Having lived in both Germany and the U.S., MacDiarmid is bilingual and conversant with both European and American cultures.

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Categories: Federal contracts · FTTH · Industry Viewpoint