12 Days of Broadband
2025 Was a Year of More BEAD Turmoil
Based on tentative results, about 65% of BEAD locations are in line for fiber. Another 22% will get satellite, and 10% will get fixed wireless.
12 Days of Broadband
Broadband Affordability Falters in 2025
In spite of the political salience of 'affordability,' federal rollbacks, industry pressure, and stalled state efforts took a toll on low-income Americans' broadband.
AI
White House Issues Order Pledging to Withhold BEAD Funds From States With 'Onerous' AI Laws
Order tones down language of leaked draft, but continues restriction on dispensing remaining BEAD funds to states with 'onerous' AI laws.
12 Days of Broadband
What to Do With Remaining BEAD Funds, a.k.a 'Non-Deployment'?
As states complete their broadband spending plans, a fight is brewing over the remaining $21 billion.
BEAD
So Far, Approved BEAD Plans Largely in Line with Public Drafts
NTIA has approved 29 state plans; see updated BEAD charts with Breakfast Club Membership
BEAD
164 State Lawmakers Urge Release of Billions in Obligated BEAD Funds
Withholding more than $20 billion in funds defies Congress’s mandate, lawmakers warn.
12 Days of Broadband
With Denunciation of Digital Grants as ‘Woke Handout,’ $2.5 Billion in Funding Scrapped
As of Dec. 5, the government had not yet filed its response.
BEAD
California Announces Grant Winners With BEAD Final Proposal
The state would spend most of its $1.86 billion allocation, and about 44 percent of its 339,000 eligible locations would get fiber.
BEAD
NTIA Approves 9 BEAD Plans, Promises Early 2026 Guidance on Non-Deployment Funds
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said the agency was ‘operating under the assumption’ states could retain and use non-deployment dollars.
Satellite
Report Reviews Satellite Broadband Role in Federal Expansion Programs
A Congressional Research Service report warns cost and capacity limits may restrict rural deployment options
Department of Commerce
Democrat, Public Interest Groups Challenge Legality of White House AI Directive
Critics warn federal preemption efforts exceed agency authority and statutory limits.
NTIA
Trump Commerce Department: 18 BEAD Proposals Approved by NTIA
BREAKING NEWS: One state, Louisiana, had access to its BEAD funds Tuesday, the agency said.
Department of Commerce
Consumers Are ‘Subsidizing the Cost of Data Centers’: Senate Dems
Lawmakers press Trump administration on link between Big Tech’s AI buildout and higher household energy bills.
Funding
Cantwell, Schatz Press NTIA on Nearly $1B in Undistributed Tribal Broadband Grants
$980 million in funds remain frozen; $294 million in announced awards still undistributed.
BEAD
Draft Bill Would Claw Back BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
The effort could include more than $20 billion of the program's $42.45 billion.
BEAD
States $20 Billion Under Budget for BEAD So Far
AAPB's Gigi Sohn said she's trying to convince more Republicans to advocate for states keeping that money.
