The BEAD program is facing several new challenges under the Trump administration in 2025:

Policy Changes

1. Removal of certain requirements: The new administration is eliminating conditions related to diversity, inclusion, equity, workforce development, job quality, and climate change considerations[3].

2. Technology neutrality: There’s a shift towards a more technology-neutral approach, potentially increasing the use of satellite internet and reducing fiber projects[10].

3. Funding reallocation: Unused BEAD funds will now be returned to the U.S. Treasury instead of being reallocated to other states[3].

4. Digital inclusion ineligibility: The new policy makes digital inclusion activities ineligible for funding[3].

Regulatory Changes

1. Streamlining processes: The administration aims to reduce regulatory hurdles, particularly around permitting and administrative requirements[6].

2. Increased state independence: There’s a push for greater state control in managing BEAD funds with less federal oversight[6].

3. Relaxed infrastructure requirements: ISPs may be allowed to remove locations from proposed service areas if they are deemed to “unreasonably increase costs”[3].

Funding Concerns

1. Potential fund reduction: There are suggestions that unspent funds could be “clawed back” to reduce what is considered “red tape”[7].

2. ACP expiration impact: The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program may hinder BEAD’s ability to serve underserved populations[8].

These changes reflect a significant shift in the program’s focus and implementation, potentially altering its original goals of expanding high-speed internet access with a strong emphasis on equity and fiber deployment.

Sources [1] The U.S. Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program https://www.ppc-online.com/blog/us-bead-program [2] What States Need to Know About Federal BEAD Funding for High … https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2023/01/what-states-need-to-know-about-federal-bead-funding-for-high-speed-internet-expansion [3] House Republicans Propose Changes to the BEAD Program https://www.benton.org/blog/house-republicans-propose-changes-bead-program [4] Broadband Experts Give Biden’s Internet Legacy Mixed Remarks https://broadbandbreakfast.com/broadband-experts-give-bidens-internet-legacy-mixed-remarks/ [5] The BEAD program begins to bear fruit – Connected Nation https://connectednation.org/blog/the-bead-program-begins-to-bear-fruit [6] State Broadband Leaders Speculate BEAD Future Under Trump … https://broadbandbreakfast.com/state-broadband-leaders-speculate-bead-future-under-trump-administration/ [7] Key challenges and opportunities in broadband expansion for 2025 https://connectednation.org/blog/the-year-ahead-key-challenges-and-opportunities-in-broadband-expansion-for-2025 [8] What Are the Major Challenges Facing the $42.5 Billion BEAD … https://missionbroadband.com/bead-news/what-are-the-major-challenges-facing-the-42-5-billion-bead-program-insights-from-the-latest-hearing/ [9] BEAD Needs All Technologies to Succeed | ITIF https://itif.org/publications/2025/01/21/bead-needs-all-technologies-to-succeed/ [10] Commerce Dept. revamping broadband program after ‘woke’ Biden … https://statescoop.com/commerce-department-bead-revamp-woke-2025/ [11] [PDF] Broadband Equity Access Deployment Program (BEAD) Frequently … https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/Broadband_Equity_Access_Deployment_Program_Frequently_Asked_Questions_Version_7.0.pdf [12] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program – Cisco https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/service-provider/networking/broadband/bead/index.html [13] BEAD Program – California Public Utilities Commission https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/beadprogram [14] Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program – BroadbandUSA https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program?page=1 [15] [PDF] Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program (BEAD … https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/BEAD-FAQs.pdf [16] Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment (BEAD) Program https://www.ntia.gov/funding-programs/internet-all/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program [17] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program https://www.broadband.pa.gov/funding/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/ [18] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program https://www.internetforall.gov/program/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program [19] [PDF] Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/BEAD_Frequently_Asked_Questions_Version_3.0.pdf [20] [PDF] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12429 [21] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/broadband/funding/bead/ [22] Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program – BroadbandUSA https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program [23] Former NTIA Official: BEAD Changes Could Add Years to Deployment https://broadbandbreakfast.com/former-ntia-official-bead-changes-to-bead-could-add-years-to-deployment/ [24] ‘People need to see it’: How politics hung up a $42B Biden internet … https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/04/biden-broadband-program-swing-state-frustrations-00175845 [25] Bringing affordable, reliable high-speed internet to everyone in … https://www.ntia.gov/funding-programs/internet-all/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/program-documentation/biden-harris-administration-s-internet-all-initiative-bringing-affordable-reliable-high-speed [26] Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the … https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/statement-us-secretary-commerce-howard-lutnick-bead-program [27] The $42 billion internet program that has connected 0 people https://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/detail/the-42-billion-internet-program-that-has-connected-0-people [28] Final BEAD Alternative Broadband Technology Policy Notice https://www.ntia.gov/other-publication/2025/final-bead-alternative-broadband-technology-policy-notice [29] Rep. Hudson Bows New Bill to Change Key Terms in BEAD Program https://broadbandbreakfast.com/rep-hudson-bows-new-bill-to-change-key-terms-in-bead-program/ [30] [PDF] California Public Utilities Commission Broadband Equity, Access … https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/broadband-implementation-for-california/bead/bead-subgrantee-selection-process-faq-version-20-february-21-2025.pdf [31] NTIA Announces Final Guidance for States to Develop Their BEAD … https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/news/latest-news/ntia-announces-final-guidance-states-develop-their-bead-challenge-process [32] [PDF] Overcoming the challenges of BEAD program implementation https://kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/overcoming-challenges-bead-program.pdf [33] State and Territory Challenge Process Tracker https://www.ntia.gov/page/state-and-territory-challenge-process-tracker [34] Experts Predict BEAD, USF Reforms in 2025 – Broadband Breakfast https://broadbandbreakfast.com/experts-predict-bead-usf-reforms-in-2025/ [35] BEAD Progress Dashboard https://www.ntia.gov/funding-programs/internet-all/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/progress-dashboard [36] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program … https://www.counties.org/csac-bulletin-article/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program-challenge-process-now-open [37] NTIA Nominee Roth Has Big Issues with BEAD – Broadband Breakfast https://broadbandbreakfast.com/incoming-ntia-chief-doesnt-like-beads-fiber-preference-low-cost-mandates-2/ [38] BEAD Challenge Process Policy | Internet for All https://www.internetforall.gov/bead-challenge-process-policy [39] 2025 preview: To BEAD or not to BEAD? – Light Reading https://www.lightreading.com/broadband/2025-preview-to-bead-or-not-to-bead- [40] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program https://localinfrastructure.org/resources/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/ [41] BEAD Program | What is the BEAD Program – Corning https://www.corning.com/fiber-to-the-premise/worldwide/en/home/applications/community-broadband/bead-program.html [42] Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program https://dced.pa.gov/programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/ [43] [PDF] the broadband equity, access and deployment (bead) program … https://www.internetforall.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/BEAD%20Info%20Sheet%20-%20IFA%20Launch%20-%20Final.pdf [44] Navigating the BEAD Program: A Guide for Rural ILECs and ISPs https://www.mossadams.com/articles/2024/10/navigating-the-bead-program [45] BEAD Report: Grading States’ Initial Proposals for Federal … https://itif.org/publications/2024/05/13/bead-report-grading-states-initial-proposals-for-federal-broadband-funds/ [46] What’s new with BEAD? Here’s what we know so far – Fierce Network https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/whats-new-bead-heres-what-we-know-so-far [47] Senate Commerce Report Reveals White House’s Bidenomics’ High … https://www.commerce.senate.gov/index.php/2023/9/senate-commerce-report-reveals-white-house-s-bidenomics-high-speed-internet-plan-connecting-wealthy-enclaves [48] BEAD Challenge Process – California Public Utilities Commission https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/broadband-implementation-for-california/bead-program/bead-challenge-process

ppc-online.com

Broadband for All: The Broadband Equity Access & Deployment Program

The Broadband Equity Access & Deployment Program seeks to bridge the digital divide and provide high-speed internet to all Americans. Learn more about BEAD