Funding
Trump Signs Law Allocating $51M for NTIA, Requires BEAD Funds Briefing in 30 Days
Lawmakers included language directing NTIA to brief Congress within 30 days on its plans for spending all remaining BEAD funds.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed in August 2021, and signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021. This bipartisan infrastructure law included the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, among others.
Funding
Lawmakers included language directing NTIA to brief Congress within 30 days on its plans for spending all remaining BEAD funds.
JD Vance
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
Experts disagreed on conditioning broadband funding on state AI regulations, balancing digital economy goals against legal constraints.
NTIA
The BEAD program faces potential delays as the telecom industry confronts a projected shortage of skilled workers needed to build infrastructure.
Broadband's Impact
In the House, Spanberger acted to direct the federal government to ensure that broadband networks were built to meet modern upload and download standards.
FCC
The commission also moved to delete nearly 400 'outdated' regulations from rulebooks.
BEAD
District officials say ‘all’ remaining unserved locations will be connected through fixed wireless technology.
Broadband Mapping and Data
Proposal would remove six consumer disclosure requirements
Commerce
Termination of $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act programs ‘unconstitutional and unlawful,’ attorneys argue.
BEAD
After calling BEAD a “boondoggle” last year, the Iowa senator omitted the program.
Randy Feenstra
Lawmakers filed bipartisan legislation Aug. 26 to reauthorize middle-mile broadband program.
BEAD
No ISP earned full marks under FCC broadband label requirements, Toronto's York University Study finds.
Expert Opinion
Unintended tax law changes now threaten to strip away up to 30% of federal broadband grants, putting rural connectivity at risk.
NTIA
Groups warn that senior centers, houses of worship could be excluded from BEAD.
BEAD
State broadband offices worry they’ll get the short end of the pencils they are sharpening.
NTIA
Big Telecom, elected Democrats, someone else?