Maine
Bill to Eliminate Maine’s Broadband Authority Struck-and-Replaced by Committee
Maine Connect Authority president criticized what he called ‘surprisingly outdated’ thinking behind the bill.
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.
Rural
RDOF Default Leaves Some Rural Areas Without BEAD Path
South Central Connect walks away from 13 census block groups.
BEAD
House, Senate Appropriators Would Provide NTIA $50 Million for FY2026
Lawmakers would ask for a briefing on the agency's “plans and timeline for expending all remaining” BEAD funds.
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.
JD Vance
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.
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.
BEAD
NTIA Highlights Maine, Hawaii LEO Deployments Ahead of BEAD
Maine has registered 500 participants for its Working Internet ASAP program.
BEAD
Five More State BEAD Approvals
Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Utah had their final proposals approved.
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.
permitting
FCC Expedites Comcast Pole Attachment Dispute Against Appalachian Power
Comcast says utility’s policy could delay construction to roughly 13,000 Virginia locations.
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.
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
