Expert Opinion
Glen Howie: Arkansas's BEAD Surplus Opens Door to Broader Broadband Investment
Arkansas connected all of its unserved locations using less than a third of its BEAD allocation, leaving $650 million for broader investment.
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.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Rhode Island Legislators Take Aim at 16-Year-Old Broadband Law
Proposed measure would give the state new authority to collect independent data on speeds, outages, and provider performance.
BEAD
‘We Did Not Compromise’: Northern Mariana Islands Advances Fully Underground Fiber Buildout
Officials resisted pressure to scale back resiliency standards on the territorywide broadband project.
BEAD
Nebraska’s Vistabeam Turns on BEAD Connection
The company said it has first active subscribers on BEAD-funded infrastructure.
Digital Inclusion
Groups Campaign To Restore Canceled Digital Equity Funding
Communities see setbacks in broadband access a year after funding loss.
BEAD
Utility Pole Costs a Major Expense for BEAD Broadband Projects
Researchers say make-ready expenses could cost up to $4.63 billion nationwide
BEAD
Some of Ohio’s Satellite BEAD Locations Face Tree Canopy Cover, Analyst Says
NTIA said money could be clawed back if service doesn’t meet standards.
Illinois
Pritzker Urges Secretary Lutnick to Release Illinois’ BEAD Funding
Illinois Governor expresses frustration at being one of the last to receive NTIA approval.
BEAD
First BEAD-Funded Equipment Deployed in Louisiana, State Says
A Nebraska ISP is claiming the first subscriber on BEAD infrastructure.
Appalachian Power Company
Comcast Seeks FCC Action in Pole Dispute With Appalachian Power Company
Disputed pole replacement fees could delay broadband deployments, the ISP argues.
BEAD
NTIA to BEAD Winners: ‘Know Your Rights’
The agency urged ISPs to ensure state contracts exempt them from certain laws and include permitting commitments.
Arkansas
Arkansas Tackles Large-Scale Permitting Challenges
Coordination across agencies and jurisdictions has emerged as the state’s biggest permitting challenge.
BEAD
Senators Release Details of BEAD Permitting Bill
The proposal would require NTIA to publicly track broadband deployment progress
Infrastructure
Corning to Build Three New Manufacturing Plants After $500 Million NVIDIA Investment
The company said the deal would boost its fiber manufacturing capacity by more than 50 percent.
BEAD
North Dakota Signs All BEAD Contracts
The state is planning to finish connecting its 279 eligible locations by the end of 2027.
BEAD
No Changes to Worker Classification for BEAD, Pennsylvania Says
NTIA had previously said the state would have to change course.
