BEAD's Future and Digital Divide Solutions Discussed at Broadband Nation Expo
Broadband experts differed on BEAD's rollout, debating whether the program accelerated or obstructed rural connectivity efforts.
ORLANDO, Nov. 20, 2025 — As 15 states and three territories received approval for their Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program proposals, industry leaders at Broadband Nation Expo 2025 expressed divided opinions Wednesday on whether the $42.5 billion federal initiative will successfully close America's digital divide.
"BEAD set back broadband in America by several years," said Matt Larsen, CEO of VistaBeam, during a special in-person Broadband Breakfast Live Online panel. "We're four years in and zero people have actually gotten benefit out of this program."
The criticism came even as Wyoming and other states celebrated their BEAD approvals, allowing them to move forward with rural broadband deployment plans. Larsen said he would prefer an infrastructure bank or revolving loan fund over the current grant-only structure.
Jeff Brown
Member discussion