The United States of BEAD

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2024 – As the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program for broadband infrastructure rolls out, we're finding that state-by-state differences matter.

Even with hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, some states are scrapped for funds to implement the signature broadband infrastructure program – BEAD – of the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

On the other hand, there are specific states that are expecting to get so much money from BEAD that they've created a specific name to cover activities separate from building infrastructure: "nondeployment" funds.

Flush With BEAD Cash, at Least 13 States Make Plans For ‘Nondeployment’ Funds

Several state offices expect to utilize nondeployment funds in conjunction with infrastructure deployment funds for BEAD.

Broadband BreakfastJericho Casper

Further, some states have strong, or are developing, strong middle-mile programs. Middle-mile networks are the connectors from the internet exchange points to the hubs and nodes in neighborhood last-mile networks; other states have weak connections.

Middle-mile networks, which were the core activity of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program of the Obama-Biden administration, are not deployed comprehensively, with vast differences on a state-by-state level.

At the California Broadband Summit hosted by CalMatters and Broadband Breakfast on June 5 in Sacramento, one of the key discussion points was the status of the state's Middle Mile Broadband Initiative:

California’s state-funded middle-mile project is facing a funding shortfall after the governor’s office rescinded promised money last month. Ensuring the project doesn’t leave behind communities looking to build local networks on that infrastructure is the program’s “highest priority,” its director said on Wednesday.

California Middle-Mile Initiative Prioritizes Connecting Local Grant Applicants

The $3.8-billion program’s director said 107 grant applicants intend to connect to its infrastructure.

Broadband BreakfastJake Neenan

These distinctions matter. And in the more than 16 years that Broadband Breakfast has been covering America's broadband buildout, we've produced thousands of stories, hundreds of which are specifically devoted to state-by-state broadband deployment and adoption.

That's why Broadband Breakfast is pleased to roll out our state-by-state broadband pages, for every U.S. state and territory. (Click below to learn more about reporting from your state.) Are we missing some key reporting? Join the Broadband Breakfast Community, or email us at community@breakfast.media.

Targeted broadband conferences

Following up on the California Broadband Summit in the country's most populous state, Broadband Breakfast is teaming up with regional and state players to conduct additional BEAD Implementation Summits.

We're also continuing to attend and report on other BEAD and broadband conferences, including next week's ARConnect, by the Arkansas State Broadband Office.

Broadband Breakfast is considering locations in the Midwest, New England, and the South and Southwest. Got thoughts? Email me at drew@breakfast.media.

Reporting from Washington

As is usual, we'd like to highlight some of the most interesting and unique work over the past week or so here on Broadband Breakfast.

First are Expert Opinion pieces. Got a viewpoint to share? Email commentary@breakfast.media:

Bridging the Digital Divide with LEO Satellites

For consumers, the competition from LEOs will undoubtedly improve broadband connectivity and offerings to these rural areas.

Broadband BreakfastSarah Thacker

How Learning to Cooperate Expands Mobile Broadband Access

Greater internet access is increasing demand for a dense 5G network

Broadband BreakfastFergal Lawlor

No ‘Scam’ Dunk: Help Older Adults Avoid Fraud and Scams

Losses due to scams continue to increase with adoption of high-speed internet.

Broadband BreakfastDebra Berlyn

But there's been some great reporting on Broadband Breakfast as well. Among the stories on the Affordable Connectivity Program:

Shentel Concerned About Rate Regulation by BEAD

‘The potential for having to set certain prices for low-income customers’ is a concern to Shentel.

Broadband BreakfastTed Hearn

TruConnect Asking FCC to Approve Lifeline Certification

The company says it could transition former ACP subscribers to other subsidized plans.

Broadband BreakfastJake Neenan

Vernonburg Group Calls for Urgent Universal Service Overhaul

Trade groups join a push to use USF to fund affordable connectivity efforts.

Broadband BreakfastMichael D. Melero

Among the other topics from the FCC include the changed rules involving the Citizens Broadband Radio Service:

FCC Announces New Rules Expanding CBRS Coverage

Updated interference modeling puts 72 million more people in uninterrupted service areas, the agency said.

Broadband BreakfastJake Neenan

And, of course, the latest drama on net neutrality:

Court Issues Speedy Briefing Schedule in Net Neutrality Case

The Clerk said responses to the FCC’s motion to move the case ‘shall be filed on or before Monday, June 17, 2024.’

Broadband BreakfastTed Hearn

And the all-important Universal Service Fund:

Supreme Court Will Not Review Legality of FCC’s Universal Service Fund

A conservative advocacy group has been challenging the $8 billion fund in court.

Broadband BreakfastJake Neenan

Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19

Finally, Juneteenth is Wednesday, June 19. Broadband Breakfast is pleased to be a Social Media Partner of MMTC, Black Churches 4 Digital Equity, and others for the Inaugural 2024 Juneteenth National Digital Equity Bible Study on June 19, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT, and running for two hours. The event is dedicated to fostering digital equity and literacy within the Black community.

Juneteenth National Digital Equity Bible Study

This event will occur at the Greater Grace: Temple of David in Detroit, Michigan, and streamed online via Zoom.

Broadband BreakfastBroadband Breakfast

This event will occur at the Greater Grace: Temple of David, 23500 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, Michigan and simultaneously streamed online via Zoom:

Event Highlights:

• Educational Workshops: Learn about critical funding opportunities coming to states this fall to help end the digital divide.
• Leadership Speeches: Gain insights from a keynote address by renowned Black national Faith Leader Rev. Dr. Renita J. Weems.
• Music and Cultural Celebrations: Experience uplifting musical performances that embody the spirit of Juneteenth and the drive towards a digitally inclusive future.
• Interactive Sessions: Participate in in-person and virtual workshops led by the White House State Broadband leaders, NTIA FPOs, and FCC leadership, offering a platform to voice your feedback on digital equity processes.

State Broadband Pages

Get a snapshot view of broadband initiatives in every state, district and territory.

Broadband BreakfastState Broadband