BEAD
States Working on Finalizing BEAD Contracts, Beginning NEPA Reviews
Most states now have approval to sign grant agreements with ISPs under the program.
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.
New Mexico
New Mexico To Close Digital Divide With $382 Million From BEAD
The state broadband office hopes to use BEAD non-deployment dollars to expand infrastructure, 5G, and workforce programs.
permitting
USTelecom Pushed for White House Environmental Review Guidance
The White House released new guidance on streamlining federal environmental reviews.
BEAD
BEAD Program Drives $100M+ Broadband Expansion in Spokane County
Four providers to deploy mix of fiber, wireless and satellite service.
BEAD
Broadband Coalition Pushes for Passage of Permitting Reform Bill
The letter applauded BEAD, but argued that permitting reform stands in the way of successful implementation.
Nebraska
Nebraska Broadband Director Patrick Haggerty to Depart May 1
DOT Director Vicki Kramer will take over the role on an interim basis.
Rural
Ookla: U.S. Digital Divide Narrows in 43 States
Aggressive broadband expansion in late 2025 extended fiber access to 60 percent of U.S. homes.
NTIA
Bill Maguire: The FCC Secures a (Bipartisan!) Win for Rural Broadband
The FCC's unanimous pole attachment ruling is a promising sign of bipartisan pragmatism in broadband policy, the author writes.
BEAD
BEAD Data Creates Opportunities for Non-Awardees
Experts say providers can use competitor data to guide expansion.
Fiber
Expert Says Millions of Areas Remain Unserved In Spite of BEAD and Other Programs
Increased competition in already-served markets could leave rural communities behind.
BEAD
Missouri Lawmakers Fear AI BIll Could Jeopardize Non-Deployment Funds: Report
States with ‘onerous’ AI laws are set to be ineligible for the funding – $900 million in Missouri’s case.
Data Center
The Case for Open Access Hyperscale Data Center Networks
The infrastructure powering hyperscale data centers risks bypassing the very communities that host it.
Michael O'Rielly
Calls Grow to Eliminate USDA Broadband Program, Watchdog Group Says
Citizens Against Government Waste targets Rural Utilities Service as duplicative.
BEAD
House Dems: States May Need to ‘Reconsider’ SpaceX BEAD Awards
They had concerns about the company’s proposed contract rider, which was rejected by NTIA.
BEAD
Consultants Urge BEAD ‘Rainy Day’ Fund To Cover Gaps
Infrastructure specialists urge administrators to reserve $7.6 billion from BEAD for unexpected shortfalls.
BEAD
Louisiana AI Bills Halted After Trump White House Threatens BEAD Funding
The administration’s actions have now halted regulation in at least two states.
