BEAD
Five More State BEAD Approvals
Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Utah had their final proposals approved.
BEAD
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is a $42.45 billion initiative administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department. Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, BEAD aims to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.
BEAD
Broadband Industry Likes New Non-Deployment Bill
The SUCCESS for BEAD Act would allow more spending on infrastructure, but didn’t specify adoption or affordability efforts.
BEAD
Wicker, Capito Introduce Bill to Ensure Use of Non-Deployment Funds
The bill would allow states to spend the money on wholesale fiber, workforce development, and mobile wireless infrastructure, among other things.
BEAD
Bipartisan Senators Want to Keep Non-Deployment Funds
Six GOP Senators signed on to a Tuesday letter to the NTIA.
12 Days of Broadband
2025 Was a Year of More BEAD Turmoil
Based on tentative results, about 65% of BEAD locations are in line for fiber. Another 22% will get satellite, and 10% will get fixed wireless.
permitting
FCC Expedites Comcast Pole Attachment Dispute Against Appalachian Power
Comcast says utility’s policy could delay construction to roughly 13,000 Virginia locations.
12 Days of Broadband
Broadband Affordability Falters in 2025
In spite of the political salience of 'affordability,' federal rollbacks, industry pressure, and stalled state efforts took a toll on low-income Americans' broadband.
BEAD
Uncertain Reactions to the Executive Order on AI and BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
Experts said tying the funding to favorable state AI laws could raise legal issues, but states weren’t certain to litigate.
12 Days of Broadband
What to Do With Remaining BEAD Funds, a.k.a 'Non-Deployment'?
As states complete their broadband spending plans, a fight is brewing over the remaining $21 billion.
AI
Should BEAD Non-Deployment Funds Be Linked to AI? How Should Funds Be Spent?
Experts disagreed on conditioning broadband funding on state AI regulations, balancing digital economy goals against legal constraints.
Digital Inclusion
Public Knowledge, NDIA Aiming to Platform Local Advocates
The groups' Connectivity Policy Corps will have a first cohort of 18 advocates from 14 states.
BEAD
So Far, Approved BEAD Plans Largely in Line with Public Drafts
NTIA has approved 29 state plans; see updated BEAD charts with Breakfast Club Membership
BEAD
164 State Lawmakers Urge Release of Billions in Obligated BEAD Funds
Withholding more than $20 billion in funds defies Congress’s mandate, lawmakers warn.
AI
Scalise: No AI Moratorium in National Defense Authorization Act
President Donald Trump is still eager to preempt state AI laws.
Satellite
Satellite Broadband Emerges as Major Player in Federal BEAD Program
Satellite providers are securing 22 percent of federal broadband funding by offering immediate connectivity where fiber deployment could take years.
BEAD
California Announces Grant Winners With BEAD Final Proposal
The state would spend most of its $1.86 billion allocation, and about 44 percent of its 339,000 eligible locations would get fiber.
