Feds unveil ‘critical reforms’ to BEAD program
The $42.5 billion program to expand broadband will now be technology-neutral, rather than prefer fiber. Various workforce, climate and environment rules have also been relaxed.
Hunt for clarity on BEAD’s future goes on
With little word on the status of the Commerce Department’s review of the $42 billion broadband program, Senate Democrats and some industry groups have looked to up the pressure.
Alabama officials demand stricter reporting on $400M broadband expansion progress
State officials demanded more detailed progress reports from internet providers building the state's broadband network using public funds.
At least 20 states have reportedly lost digital equity grant funding
States across the country have had their grant funding pulled after President Donald Trump announced he was ending the program. Program supporters say they are plotting their next steps.
BEAD uncertainty swirls, joined by Trump’s threats to the Digital Equity Act
State leaders want more guidance from the federal government amid a 90-day delay in their final plans. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he will kill a related digital equity program.
Senate votes to repeal rule allowing Wi-Fi hotspot loans
Senators passed a resolution overturning an FCC rule that allows schools and libraries to use E-Rate funds to loan out Wi-Fi hotspots. Opponents said the effort would only widen the digital divide.
A lagging broadband program faces more delays as Trump plans changes
States will have an additional 90 days to submit their final plans for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
Lawmakers strive to protect New York’s universal broadband rollout
The state is pushing forward with its goals under the threat of Trump administration cuts.
Trump nominee pledges to ‘finish the job’ on BEAD
Arielle Roth told the Senate Commerce Committee she would prioritize getting Americans connected if confirmed to lead the NTIA and not favor one technology over another.
Battle to save major internet subsidy reaches Supreme Court
Advocates and elected officials warned of the harm if the Universal Service Fund is struck down as unconstitutionally financed. Justices appeared inclined to preserve the fund.
Commerce Secretary’s proposal to prioritize satellite over fiber internet would ‘strand’ rural communities, experts say
Howard Lutnick’s proposal to change BEAD structure will line the pockets of billionaires and leave rural communities behind.
Vermont explores having telehealth hubs at libraries
An initial grant will help researchers study the feasibility of offering services at the state’s 185 libraries in a bid to help people access care even from remote areas.
New bill would loosen various BEAD rules
Republicans have long complained about some of the broadband program’s requirements and preference for fiber. New legislation would tweak many of those rules.
‘Leave it alone’: Amid BEAD review, state leaders plead for stability
While elected officials in Washington criticize the broadband program’s speed and requirements, some officials urged them to let states proceed with plans to get people connected.
Millions in US live in places where doctors don’t practice and telehealth doesn’t reach
Nearly 3 million Americans live sicker, shorter lives in the hundreds of rural counties where doctor shortages are the worst and poor internet connections mean little or no access to telehealth services.
Commerce secretary announces ‘rigorous review’ of BEAD program
Howard Lutnick said it is in “dire need of a readjustment,” and pledged to take a tech-neutral approach while dismantling many of the broadband access program’s Biden-era requirements.
Already lagging broadband program faces more uncertainty under Trump
Three years after the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program began, it’s still in the planning phase.
4 ways to improve and accelerate broadband expansion nationwide
The federal government can streamline the funding process for its critical BEAD program.
Texas official wants low-cost broadband requirements tied to federal dollars dropped
Texas is getting more than $3 billion from the federal government to help expand internet access.
A BEAD critic could end up running the internet access program
Arielle Roth, a former aide to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been tapped to head up the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. She has long been skeptical of some of the $42 billion effort’s provisions.
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