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
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
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.
BEAD
How Quintillion is Justifying Some of the Most Expensive Tentative BEAD Projects
The Commerce Department is looking to drive down spending under the program.
BEAD
NTIA Approves 9 BEAD Plans, Promises Early 2026 Guidance on Non-Deployment Funds
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said the agency was ‘operating under the assumption’ states could retain and use non-deployment dollars.
Commerce Department
Report Reviews Satellite Broadband Role in Federal Expansion Programs
A Congressional Research Service report warns cost and capacity limits may restrict rural deployment options
Virginia
On Pole Attachments, Industry Groups Battle Over Cost Caps and Utility Control
Comcast cited 13,000 Virginia locations facing delayed deployments from pole disputes.
Expert Opinion
Robert Morau: Broader Workforce Could Unlock Faster Broadband in Brownfield MDUs
The challenge is most visible inside brownfield multi-dwelling units (MDUs), where in-building work can represent up to 40 percent of total project time and cost.
BEAD
WISPA Says BEAD Contracts Risked Driving Providers Away
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association said restrictive clauses could stall broadband construction timelines.
BEAD
House Democrats Want Non-Deployment Funds Maintained
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) suggested he would push for his state to access its full allocation.
Fiber
Demand Drivers and Capacity Questions at Regional Fiber Connect Workshop
The Fiber Broadband Association's Kansas City workshop brought together more than 320 attendees to discuss AI, streaming, and cloud applications.
NTIA
Colby Humphrey and Lexi West: America’s Plans to Expand Broadband Could Be Hindered by Workforce
The BEAD program faces potential delays as the telecom industry confronts a projected shortage of skilled workers needed to build infrastructure.
EFF
President Trump to Sign Executive Order on AI at 4 p.m.
BREAKING: White House action could have dramatic impact on the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program
