ACA Connects Pushes for Less Regulation, Faster BEAD Deployment

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2025 – Regulatory rollbacks, streamlined permitting, and reducing the regulatory hurdles that have slowed deployment of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program are the top priorities of ACA Connects with a new administration in power.

In an interview with Broadband Breakfast on the group’s priorities for 2025, officials with the trade group representing independent broadband, video and communications providers outlined the group’s concerns over broadband labels, and its support for deregulatory efforts that could reshape the industry. The group is led by CEO Grant Spellmeyer.

Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs Brian Hurley reaffirmed ACA Connects’ support for BEAD; however, he criticized the Biden administration’s implementation of the program, arguing that additional regulatory obligations, such as what he described as “rate regulation,” as well as labor requirements, have slowed progress.