What is the BEAD program?

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is a $42.45 billion U.S. federal initiative administered by NTIA that funds broadband deployment to unserved and underserved locations. States sub-grant the funds to providers.

Which Cambium products are BEAD-eligible?

Cambium fixed wireless (PMP 450v, ePMP 4600/3000, cnWave 60 GHz) and fiber (XGS-PON / GPON) meet BEAD 2.0 reliability, latency, and performance requirements. Deployments backed by cnHeat and LINKPlanner documentation satisfy BEAD technical application criteria.

Does BEAD allow fixed wireless or is it fiber-only?

BEAD 2.0 explicitly allows non-fiber technologies (fixed wireless, unlicensed or licensed) when fiber is cost-prohibitive under the Extremely High Cost Per Location Threshold. Multi-gigabit licensed PTP, cnWave 60 GHz, and PMP 450v are common BEAD-funded choices.

Can SmartWifiWorks help with BEAD technical documentation?

Yes. We provide cnHeat coverage modeling, LINKPlanner outputs, cost-per-passing calculations, and equipment-list BOMs formatted for state BEAD technical application packages.

BEAD Program for Operators in the USA

BEAD Program Funding

BEAD Reset: Fixed Wireless Now Leads the Way. Cambium-powered WISPs are positioned to win under the new lowest-cost-per-location rules.

Talk to a BEAD Expert 855-958-0754

The June 6, 2025 FCC update to the BEAD program changed the rules — and the opportunity — for WISPs across the country. Fixed wireless is now on equal footing with fiber, and states must resubmit funding proposals under a new set of guidelines.

Prior submissions are void. Scoring rubrics are gone. Lowest cost per location is now the single defining metric. WISPs that act quickly can claim new ground and reassert their presence in BEAD-eligible areas.

Take Action Now

Protect your footprint

Prevent BEAD-funded overbuilds where you already provide 100/20 coverage.

Re-submit your proposal

Re-submit previous BEAD requests to include low-cost fixed wireless alternatives.

Claim new ground

Target BEAD-eligible locations where fixed wireless is now the lowest-cost winning bid.

Boost Your BEAD 2.0 Readiness

Cambium Networks' BEAD-qualified platforms meet the new program requirements and simplify reporting from proposal to deployment.

PMP & ePMP Platforms

Proven scalable PMP 450, ePMP, and 6 GHz radios to serve BEAD-eligible locations.

cnWave 60 GHz

Multi-gigabit mmWave distribution and client nodes where fiber is cost-prohibitive.

cnHeat Modeling

One-meter-resolution RF modeling with BEAD-grade reporting — works with any equipment.

BABA & Compliance

Build America, Buy America (BABA)

Cambium provides BABA certification and waiver-request support for eligible fixed wireless platforms. Reach out for your state's specific requirements, waiver documentation, and an interference-handling response tailored to the latest NTIA guidance.

Ready to size and submit?

Our team will spec a Cambium-based BEAD proposal, run cnHeat coverage studies, and package BABA documentation.

Start a BEAD Project Call Now