John Thune
Bill to Increase Oversight of BEAD Broadband Grants Filed
The legislation would place new responsibilities on the Commerce Department.
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.
Glenn Youngkin
VATI Program Drives Broadband Expansion in Virginia
State initiative has delivered broadband to more than 221,500 locations to date.
BEAD
Wisconsin Officials Press Feds Over Stalled Broadband Funds
Lack of federal guidance halts more than $300 million in obligated state broadband funding.
Expert Opinion
Eric Bathras: From Fiber to Fabric, the Next Evolution of BEAD
Maryland officials are urging NTIA and Congress to let states use remaining BEAD funds for integrated, multi-use infrastructure rather than single-purpose broadband builds.
BEAD
Louisiana Clears First Batch of NEPA Approvals for BEAD
The state is hoping to get all projects past environmental reviews by July 4.
Rural
Rural-Focused $42 Billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program Becomes Operational
Early signs of a massive federal broadband expansion effort are beginning to reach local communities.
Mike Romano
USF Reform Draft Expected By End Of May, Lawmaker Says
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson calls current funding model unsustainable as reform talks advance.
ReConnect
RUS Signals Launch of Next ReConnect Funding Round
Elmshaeuser says program remains central as federal broadband funding expands
BEAD
NTIA To Set Guidance For $21B In BEAD Funds Within ‘a Few Months’
Agency says it is on track to deliver universal broadband as billions remain unspent
BEAD
Federal Approval Clears $319M for North Carolina Broadband Projects
State unlocks $319 million to connect more than 93,000 locations.
Expert Opinion
Abe Salander and Zeb Zankel: Real Estate and Commercial Strategies for Monetizing Dark Fiber
Electric utilities have a rare opportunity to monetize their existing fiber infrastructure amid surging demand from AI data centers and federal broadband programs.
BEAD
Little Talk of BEAD at Lutnick’s House Hearing
He did not repeat his goal of non-deployment guidance ‘over the next two months,’ which he told senators Wednesday.
Briefs
Render Networks Announces $14.3 Million Funding Raise From Black Kite Partners
Company hopes to join utility infrastructure buildout through the acquisition.
BEAD
Lutnick Aiming for Non-Deployment Guidance ‘Over the Next Two Months’
NTIA also approved Oklahoma’s final BEAD proposal, leaving only California and Illinois awaiting clearance.
BEAD
Poverty Advocacy Group Raises BEAD Funding Concerns
Advocacy group fears minority communities will miss out on BEAD funds.
BEAD
On Permitting, Delaware's Democratic Governor Gets Praise from Conservative Analyst
Governor is trying to reduce state's permitting backlog.
