Service Providers and California Officials Warn BEAD Builds Won’t Solve Affordability
Providers cited payment instability and post-construction costs, while officials urged an Affordability Connectivity Program replacement.
Providers cited payment instability and post-construction costs, while officials urged an Affordability Connectivity Program replacement.
MILPITAS, Calif., Jan. 28, 2026 — State regulators, a California congressman, and broadband providers warned that federal infrastructure spending alone will not close the digital divide, citing unresolved gaps in affordability, oversight, and long-term network sustainability.
The warnings came during a panel on multi-state broadband grant programs held alongside the Connecting Communities Summit hosted by Tarana Wireless. Speakers argued that the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program represents a major buildout effort, not a complete broadband policy.
Ana Maria Johnson, deputy executive director at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), said California’s broadband strategy has evolved significantly since the launch of the California Advanced Services Fund in 2008.
Two of the three dominant global mobile equipment vendors are European, the partnership's governing board chair said.
The satellite TV operator says Nexstar withheld from FCC certain economic studies it provided the Justice Department. Nexstar had no comment
Supporters said electing commissioners would give residents more influence over electricity rates and energy policy.
ACLP said some ISPs may have more than they could handle in broadband deployment.
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