What's Happening?
Missouri State Representative Louis Riggs and Drew Garner from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society are advocating for the release of BEAD non-deployment funds to states. This comes after a letter, signed by over 160 bipartisan state lawmakers,
was sent to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in November 2025, urging compliance with the law to release these funds. The BEAD program, intended to close the digital divide, has been a point of contention as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has withheld funds, citing $20 billion in program 'savings'. The situation has been further complicated by President Trump's recent executive order, which restricts BEAD non-deployment funds to states with AI regulations. This order mandates the NTIA to identify such states within 90 days and issue a notice, potentially affecting the distribution of funds.
Why It's Important?
The release of BEAD non-deployment funds is crucial for states aiming to enhance broadband connectivity and bridge the digital divide. The withholding of these funds could hinder state-level initiatives and delay progress in expanding internet access to underserved areas. President Trump's executive order adds a layer of complexity, potentially penalizing states with AI regulations by restricting their access to these funds. This situation underscores the tension between federal directives and state autonomy, highlighting the challenges in implementing nationwide broadband policies. The outcome of this issue could set a precedent for how federal funds are allocated in relation to state policies, impacting future infrastructure and technology initiatives.
What's Next?
The NTIA is expected to identify states affected by the executive order within the next 90 days, which could lead to further legal and political challenges. State lawmakers and broadband advocates may continue to push for legislative solutions to ensure the intended distribution of BEAD funds. Additionally, a new BEAD-related bill introduced in Congress could influence the program's future, while the Government Accountability Office's report on the NTIA's need for congressional approval may prompt further scrutiny of the administration's actions. Stakeholders will likely monitor these developments closely, as they could significantly impact broadband expansion efforts across the U.S.
