Created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) offers $42.5 billion in the form of block grants to states for broadband deployment efforts. Since the program’s creation, state broadband offices have been working closely with NTIA and other stakeholders to design plans to connect every unserved and underserved location across the country with reliable high-speed internet service. Despite progress toward implementation and final plan approvals, in March 2025 the Trump Administration paused BEAD to review the program and improve efficiencies. On June 6, 2025, NTIA released a Policy Notice to modify, replace, and streamline certain requirements outlined in the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity.
In response to changes announced by NTIA on June 6, NRECA Broadband has worked in partnership with allied member associations and broadband consultant Cartesian to develop resources to help state broadband offices navigate updated program policies. Co-ops are encouraged to share these memos with their state broadband offices and use them to support conversations with policymakers and state broadband directors.
