BEAD is important, but separate state initiatives are also vital: Pew study

"The study, entitled "The Role of State Broadband Policy in 2026," found that state legislatures collectively passed more than 160 bills and resolutions related to broadband last year. Many of these involved regulatory changes aimed at expanding authority of broadband offices and addressed Internet affordability for low-income customers."

"The study suggests that the importance of "balancing the dual needs" of BEAD and state-level initiatives will deepen as the uncertainty the Trump administration has brought to the federal program grows. It specifically mentions the possibility that some funding may be withheld from states that pass regulations on artificial intelligence."

"The study suggested that progress is being made on two key barriers that state broadband offices found are obstacles to fulfilling program goals. The first is that states are trying to coordinate federal, state, local and private permitting processes. Efforts also are being made to increase the availability of trained workers."

While the federal BEAD program receives significant attention with $42.45 billion in funding, state-level broadband initiatives are equally important. A Pew Charitable Trusts study found that state legislatures passed more than 160 broadband-related bills and resolutions, many focusing on regulatory changes to expand broadband office authority and improve Internet affordability for low-income customers. States are addressing key barriers by streamlining permitting processes and increasing trained workforce availability. Examples include Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, and West Virginia updating construction rules, while Texas and Kentucky funded training programs. As federal uncertainty grows, balancing BEAD funding with state initiatives becomes increasingly critical for broadband expansion success.

Read at Telecompetitor