NTIA
States Deemphasize Local and Rural Focus After BEAD Restructuring, Report Finds
Kaptivate analysis finds some states’ references to rural America dropped 80 to 100 percent
NTIA
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department Commerce, is responsible for implementing the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, including managing federal broadband funding programs to expand high-speed internet access.
NTIA
New BEAD Rules Subject to Congressional Review, GAO Finds
Congress should have received a report before the rules were issued, the watchdog said.
Public Safety
House Lawmakers Push for Upgraded 911 Networks
Bills propose federal grants for next-gen 911, enhanced satellite alerts, and improved FCC reporting
Spectrum
Budget Law’s Spectrum Auction Mandate Raises Stakes for Wi-Fi, CBRS
The legislation would task the NTIA with finding about 500 megahertz and the FCC with finding another 300 megahertz for auction.
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.
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.
Tennessee
Trump Signs Order Launching 'Project Genesis' to Accelerate AI Science and Research
Initiative aims to accelerate discovery in biotechnology, manufacturing, and quantum science in renewed 'Manhattan Project' scale effort.
NTIA
Judges Press FCC, Challengers in FirstNet Spectrum Case
The agency is looking to make more spectrum available to AT&T-operated FirstNet.
NTIA
Colby Humphrey and Lexi West: America’s Plans to Expand Broadband Could Be Hindered by Workforce
The BEAD program faces potential delays as the telecom industry confronts a projected shortage of skilled workers needed to build infrastructure.
NTIA
Texas BEAD Plan Approved
The approved spending plan differed little from the state’s preliminary awards.
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.
AI
Draft Executive Order Would Tie Non-Deployment Funding to State AI Regulation
The draft would direct NTIA to withhold funds if states regulate AI companies too heavily.
NTIA
Previously Recommended Tribal Broadband Awards Rejected
Previously recommended applicants had been tentatively accepted, but funds were not officially earmarked, for Tribal projects
NTIA
NTIA Cracks Down on BEAD Proposals Built on ‘Hypothetical’ Funding
The agency will issue new guidance on how states should evaluate 'speculative' or uncommitted funding sources in BEAD.
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.
NTIA
Think Tank Says New York Broadband Grants Mostly Target Served Areas
Researchers cite what they say is nearly 90% duplication
