Electric Co-ops Finding BEAD Rules Onerous, Especially on Poles
Two said they were turning down tentative BEAD awards.
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2026 – Local electric cooperatives are finding some rules for a $42.45 billion broadband grant program difficult to navigate, they told reporters Thursday.
Heads from two companies said they were awarded funding under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, but ultimately turned it down.
