In July 2025, the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program hit a major milestone. The NTIA has officially approved updated initial proposals from all 56 states and territories, clearing the way for a nationwide investment of more than $40 billion to expand high speed internet infrastructure.
This announcement means a new phase in the broadband expansion strategy: each state can now conduct its “Benefit of the Bargain” round, an essential step in deciding which internet service providers will receive funding to build out broadband networks. With a final proposal deadline of September 4, 2025.
But while broadband providers scramble to adjust to revised bidding rules and technology-neutral standards, one thing is clear: BABAA compliance is non-negotiable.
BEAD and BABAA: A Powerful Partnership
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program works in conjunction with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). To receive BEAD funding, broadband projects must comply with two key BABAA requirements for equipment such as routers, cabinets, and other components:
- The product must be manufactured in the United States.
- At least 55% of the component parts (by cost) must be sourced from the U.S.
For many manufacturers, this has meant supply chain and last-minute adjustments. At Great Lakes, it’s business as usual. We’ve been BABAA compliant since the beginning.
We proudly manufacture our indoor and outdoor products at our facility in Corry, Pennsylvania, using U.S. sourced materials and American labor. Our commitment to domestic production isn’t just about compliance. It’s about quality, consistency, and long-term value for the telecom industry. Find our BABAA commitment letter and list of compliant products here.
Meet BOX: Purpose Built for BEAD Projects
Our BOX product line includes a variety of outdoor and wall-mount enclosures, purpose-built for broadband deployments funded by BEAD. Unlike retrofitted telecom cabinets, BOX enclosures are engineered from the ground up to provide:
- Field ready deployment
- Robust cable management
- Durability for high-performance fiber and network infrastructure
Planning a BEAD Funded Deployment?
Whether you’re a service provider preparing for your Benefit of the Bargain submission or a state official planning infrastructure specifications, Great Lakes is your go-to partner for BABAA compliant enclosures.
Our engineering team can work directly with you to ensure every arrangement is eligible and optimized for BEAD funded broadband builds.
Contact us today to see how our BOX enclosures can fit seamlessly into your deployment.