Michael O'Rielly
Calls Grow to Eliminate USDA Broadband Program, Watchdog Group Says
Citizens Against Government Waste targets Rural Utilities Service as duplicative.
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.
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.
NCTA
Broadband Expansion Alone Won’t Close the Digital Divide, Panelists Warn
Panelists cite skills gaps, security threats, and the need for more modern infrastructure.
AI
Sanders, AOC Introduce Bill to Pause Data Center Growth
The bill represents hesitation and concern for data centers among some lawmakers and communities.
Digital Equity Act
Court Asked to Pause DEA-Related Lawsuit Against Trump, Pending Key Court Decision
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has been fighting to restore a $2.75 billion digital equity program.
BEAD
NTIA Planning to Finish BEAD Approvals by May
New notices of funding for the agency’s Tribal programs would come in late spring or early summer, a spokesperson said.
Data Center
Corning Exec Says AI, Broadband Driving Surge in Fiber Demand
Demand for high-capacity networks is accelerating as new technologies strain existing infrastructure.
NTIA
Alaska Broadband Office Approves $629 Million in BEAD Awards
The state released project-level funding details as it moves toward final federal approval.
Data Center
Experts Say Data Centers Face Permitting, Economic, and Community Support Obstacles
As data centers continue construction, some are facing local government ordinances and other challenges.
BEAD 2026
Experts Say $21 Billion Remaining BEAD Funds at Risk of Going Unused
Industry leaders push for faster distribution to avoid defaults, delays, and efforts to close the digital divide
BEAD
Fiber Suppliers Say They Can Meet BEAD and AI Demand
Corning, Prysmian, and others said they made commitments to NTIA in February.
NTIA
Free State Foundation Head Supports Looking at BEAD Savings to Address Mobile Dead Zones
The proposal would direct up to $8 billion to expand rural 5G coverage.
NTIA
States Push to Redirect BEAD Excess Funds Toward Public Safety Gaps
Panelists also discussed their largest broadband deployment obstacles.
BEAD 2026
What to Expect at the BEAD Implementation Summit 2026
Wednesday's BEAD Implementation Summit builds upon prior events in 2025 and late 2023.
