Funding
Digital Divide Closing in South Carolina, State Says
'Nearly all of these newly constructed locations now have access to fiber,' says state broadband director
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.
Benton
State Legislators: Don’t Upend BEAD
A bipartisan group of 115 legislators from 28 states urged caution as the Trump administration mulls rule changes.
Expert Opinion
Jessica Dine: So You Want BEAD to Be Tech Neutral?
BEAD should use all technologies, but not all technologies are equal.
Wireless
T-Mobile Supports Petitions Against 5G Fund, Verizon Opposes
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr opposed moving forward with the $9 billion fund as a commissioner.
Commerce
Minnesota: Keep BEAD Fast and Grounded in Local Expertise
State seeks shot clock for federal reviews and greater trust in state-led broadband plans.
Iowa
Iowa Urged to Prioritize Fiber Ahead of Arrival of $415 Million in BEAD Money
Wulfsen argued that fiber is a better long-term investment than satellite.
IIJA
House Bill Could Open Appalachian Broadband Funds to Starlink
GAO study would evaluate whether the Appalachian Regional Commission should fund LEO providers.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Bill Seeks to Lower Broadband Labor Costs by Reclassifying Workers
Pickett argues that the current classification inflates broadband deployment costs.
Michigan
Michigan Bill Seeks to Exempt Broadband Grants From State Taxes
Even in more connected areas, access rates remain below the national average of 90%.
Commerce
West Virginia Reworking BEAD Proposal Amid Trump-Driven Program Overhaul
State delays final BEAD proposal to reconsider technology mix under Trump administration’s revised priorities.
BEAD
Commerce Inspector General: Project Selection Timelines a Potential Struggle for BEAD
The agency's inspector general interviewed and surveyed state broadband offices.
International
Global Leaders Share Insights on Broadband Success, Open Access
Fiber deployment emerges as a common thread despite vastly different market conditions.
BEAD
NTIA Nominee Roth Mostly Noncommittal on Key BEAD Issues
Roth offered no guarantees that states won’t have to restart BEAD subgrantee selections.
Expert Opinion
States Approach Readiness for the Broadband Rollout, But Federal Nod is Elusive
No BEAD final proposals have been posted since late 2024, but many are due over the next few months.
Briefs
Phoenix Center Challenges Brattle Group’s Fiber Value Impact
Ford said that fiber is too expensive in many rural areas to be a practical solution.
BEAD
An Interview With Former BEAD Director Evan Feinman
In an interview with Cardinal News, Feinman talked about how BEAD helped Virginia, and why he’s worried about its future growth.
