Maine Urges Commerce Department to Refine, Not Delay, BEAD Rollout

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2025 – Maine’s broadband agency Thursday called on the Commerce Department to refine, but not delay, the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.

In a letter sent March 11 to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and NTIA’s nominated Administrator Arielle Roth, the Maine Connectivity Authority made clear that while adjustments to the program were welcome, any major overhaul or pause in funding would be counterproductive.

“We believe there are several ways to both accelerate and improve the BEAD program,” the letter, signed by MCA President Andrew Butcher, stated. “By fostering an environment where all types of technologies and solutions are on the table, we can expand a competitive and productive market.”