BEAD: Who Controls Non-Deployment Funds?

"The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program deployment effort is coming in far under budget. At the highest level, that's a good thing. But good things don't come without their own complexities. In this case, a political battle could evolve over who controls the remaining BEAD funds. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick suggesting that states keep the excess funds and spend them on state-led AI-related programs."

"The italics and bold are Landry's. The national priorities he referred to include the "White House Winning the Race, America's AI Action Plan," "American First Policy Initiatives" [sic], and "Make America Great Again Policies." While some of the big states have not weighed in, NewStreet Research Policy Advisor Blair Levin says only about 44% of appropriated funds have been deployed to perform the main function of the BEAD Program, which is connecting underserved and unserved areas."

"It has also been suggested, according to Levin's research note, that the administration expects those funds to be returned to Washington. "[W]e think the categories of AI (such as using funds to connect data centers) and American First (which includes workforce development, education and other forms of industry support) would be similar to how the states and the industry would like the funds spent," Levin wrote."

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program deployment is running far under budget, leaving substantial unallocated funds. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged the Commerce Department to let states retain excess BEAD allocations for state-led AI-related programs and other national priority initiatives, citing priorities such as America's AI Action Plan and Make America Great Again policies. Only about 44% of appropriated funds have been deployed to connect underserved and unserved areas. The NTIA has not instructed states on allocating non-deployment funds and may expect returned funds. States and industry favor using remaining funds for AI, workforce development, education, and industry support.

Read at Telecompetitor