Federal Agency

The NC Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity announced its plans to launch a revised Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program in compliance with the 

Gov Tony Evers (D-WI) urged Republicans in the Wisconsin State Legislature to approve substantial state budget investments to continue expanding high-speed internet across Wisconsin as new sweeping Trump Administration changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program will effectively delay broadband funding Wisconsin expects to receive.

After nearly a year and a half working as the director of the Washington State Broadband Office, Aaron Wheeler announced he will take on new challenges after June 27. Wheeler was appointed by Gov Jay Inslee in March 2024. Under his leadership, the office completed two rounds of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment applications. WSBO was about to open the third and final application round when new federal guidance was released, initiating a significant shift in the state’s BEAD process.  

This document is intended to assist in better understanding the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program and the requirements set forth in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Notice of Funding Opportunity, and BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. It touches on the goals of the policy notice, major shifts, and next steps for Eligible Entities. Major shifts include:

I was once lucky enough to have interviewed a number of rural people who told me what it was like when they finally got electricity. Almost every person I talked to mentioned how life-changing it was to brightly illuminate their homes with electric lightbulbs. Rural electricity was largely funded by low-income loans to newly formed electric cooperatives.

Olivia Trusty was confirmed to fill a five-year term as a Federal Communications Commission Commissioner, securing a 2-1 Republican majority and a quorum for FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. The vote to confirm her to a new five-year term was 53-45. Sens Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and James Risch (R-ID) were absent.

On behalf of the 156 individuals leading 140 organizations serving communities from 39 states, we, the undersigned, urge you to reinstate the Digital Equity Act (DEA) Programs that were cancelled on May 9, 2025. We are the organizations that would have carried out the work funded by the Digital Equity Act Program, created and authorized by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.

The battle over how much incarcerated people should pay to stay connected with loved ones escalated recently. Sheriffs, telecommunications providers, and civil rights advocates filed opposing briefs in the U.S.

The Trump administration released new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program guidance for states and territories meant to minimize federal spending on broadband deployment as much as possible. Among other changes to Biden-era rules, this guidance mandates that states and territories use cost efficiency of BEAD dollars as the primary criterion for making awards. Further, the new rules prohibit states from showing any preference for particular types of technologies.

Verizon may have scored federal approval of its $20 billion Frontier acquisition, but the coast is far from clear stateside. California is scrutinizing the operator for ending its diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The California Public Utilities Commission this week began conducting hearings to seek input on whether the Verizon/Frontier deal serves the public interest.