BEAD Program Policy Reforms Discussed at Hudson Institute
Ariel Ross, who serves as the assistant secretary of commerce and leads the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, spoke this week at the Hudson Institute about reforming the often criticized Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. She mentioned that the program has been hindered by excessive regulations and conditions that, frankly, slow down states, discourage providers, and overlook new technologies.
Past reports indicated that BEAD was bogged down by diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates, as well as climate regulations, which, in effect, sidelined other viable options like satellite and fixed wireless technologies. Instead of focusing on connecting rural Americans in the most efficient manner, the program, under the Biden administration, has taken on a more ideological role. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration acknowledged that, even after four years since the bill’s passage, not a single household has been connected.
The federal program, which has a budget of $42.5 billion, seemed to prioritize the regulations of companies with political ties over using more efficient low-Earth orbit satellite technologies like SpaceX’s Starlink. It proposed costly solutions—spending tens of thousands of dollars per household—while failing to reach any American households.
Assistant Secretary Ross concurred, noting that BEAD has been burdened by red tape that has impeded states and providers. She highlighted the challenge posed by state governments that might not align with the previous administration’s priorities for the program. Ross emphasized that as BEAD approaches final plan approval, it’s essential to minimize any defaults, managing such a large program requires careful oversight and a thoughtful review of state proposals to ensure effectiveness and prevent waste.
Interestingly, Gigi Song, a prominent advocate with far-left leanings and a previous Democratic FCC candidate, is currently involved in lobbying efforts while collaborating with several state governments—including some led by Republicans—to resist reforms proposed by Ross’s team. However, Ross made it clear that the Trump administration’s NTIA is determined to move forward, prepared to identify and reject projects that seem overly expensive or impractical, advocating for more achievable and cost-efficient alternatives instead.
Ross specifically pointed out LEO satellites’ crucial role in connecting rural areas, acknowledging that the advancements in fast LEO technology might not have materialized without a competitive market driving alternative solutions.
While lobbying groups for fiber and cable are still attempting to bypass the administration’s priorities, Gigi Thorne has seemingly acknowledged challenges within the approach. In a recent LinkedIn post, she suggested that “BEAD is not in the business of closing the digital divide,” advocating instead for community-based solutions. However, her view of “closing the digital divide” closely aligns with the Biden administration’s ideas and policies, which she defended by noting ongoing connectivity and adoption gaps that would remain even after BEAD funding runs out.
As Song continues to seek support from state-level Republicans to undermine the policies from the Trump administration, the NTIA, under the guidance of Ross and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, has made notable strides in addressing the shortcomings of BEAD as it stands.
