Former NTIA Official: BEAD Changes Could Add Years to Deployment

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2025 – Any changes to the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program could result in years of delays, a former National Telecommunications and Information Administration official warned Wednesday.

“To halt progress now, or worse, for states to redo their work would be disastrous. It would delay broadband deployment for years and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Sarah Morris, former deputy administrator of the NTIA, speaking during a House Communications and Technology subcommittee hearing.

Additionally, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito responded to the proposed changes in a statement Wednesday, saying: “While I am all for improving the program, I do not want to see West Virginia wait longer than is necessary or have to redo their proposals and application.”