The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports on the results of NTIA’s first of two listening sessions on the “Use of BEAD Funds Saved Through the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain Reforms.” (The second sessions happens tomorrow, Feb 18.)…
As mandated by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, states and territories may use BEAD funds to make subgrants to:
- Deploy broadband networks to unserved and underserved areas,
- Connect community anchor institutions,
- Conduct data collection, broadband mapping, and planning;
- Install internet and Wi-Fi infrastructure or provide reduced-cost broadband within multifamily residential buildings; and
- Increase broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices.
In addition, Congress authorized Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Arielle Roth to determine additional uses of these funds to facilitate BEAD’s goals. NTIA’s listening sessions are meant to inform Roth’s determination on additional uses.
Attendees talked about other uses for funds, including the following topics:
- Device Access and Digital Skills
- Affordable Broadband Solutions
- Returning the Funds to Treasury
- Public Safety and Emergency Communications
- State and Local Flexibility