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.
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.
SpaceX
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.
SpaceX
House Bill Could Open Appalachian Broadband Funds to Starlink
GAO study would evaluate whether the Appalachian Regional Commission should fund LEO providers.
Labor Department
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.
SpaceX
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.
Expert Opinion
Tariffs and Broadband: Every Day is a New Day
In 2024, the United States imported approximately 25% of the world’s fiber optic cables.
BEAD
State-by-State BEAD Bids Reveal Varying Degrees of ISP Participation
Arkansas nearly reached full coverage, Massachusetts barely half.
Expert Opinion
Johnny Kampis: Texas Tells NTIA to Loosen BEAD Barriers to Deployment
Those seeking to eliminate some of the onerous regulations are more likely to bend the ear of the Trump administration.
BEAD
NTIA Nominee Arielle Roth Confirmation Hearing Set for March 27
She's been critical of the BEAD program's fiber preference.
