I have some information about this article. It looks like they finally have someone for the head of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Evan Feinman, who took the helm three years ago at the start of the $42.5 billion program, is out. He had a major hand in establishing a national push toward digital equity.
During Feinman’s tenure, the BEAD program achieved significant milestones:
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Approval of Digital Equity Plans: All states and territories received approval for their digital equity plans, setting the foundation for more inclusive internet access.
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Transition to Implementation: The program moved from planning to the implementation phase, marking progress toward bridging the digital divide.
Following the inauguration of a new presidential administration in January, the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiated a comprehensive review of the BEAD program. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized the program’s previous direction, stating that it had “not connected a single person to the internet” due to “woke mandates, favoritism towards certain technologies, and burdensome regulations.” Lutnick emphasized the need for a “tech-neutral approach” to deliver high-speed internet access efficiently and cost-effectively.
Feinman’s Departure and Concerns
I’m concerned that this delay in broadband rollout will potentially hinder our efforts to provide reliable internet access to underserved communities. This lack of access to reliable internet has already proved to be a roadblock to providing essential services, and we had hoped that this new network would help us overcome that issue. We have done much work toward a faster rollout of this network, but this delay will not help. I can see where everyone is coming from, so I understand what everyone is dealing with, but it’s a shame that we have to do this. That’s why I’m resigning from my position.
The federal review has introduced uncertainty for several states, including Nevada, Louisiana, and Delaware, which had already received approval for their BEAD funding proposals. These states are now in a holding pattern, awaiting further guidance on their broadband deployment plans.
The program’s reassessment has elicited varied reactions:
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State Officials: Some state leaders have expressed concerns that altering the program’s direction could disrupt ongoing efforts to expand broadband access. Missouri State Representative Louis Riggs urged federal authorities to “leave it alone; let the states do what they’ve done,” highlighting the effectiveness of state-led initiatives in this domain.
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Federal Lawmakers: Certain members of Congress have voiced apprehension about potential delays resulting from the review. Senator Shelley Moore Capito emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary postponements that could impede progress in states like West Virginia.
The outcome of the BEAD program’s review remains uncertain. The Department of Commerce aims to streamline the initiative by removing perceived regulatory obstacles and adopting a technology-neutral stance. However, stakeholders at various levels are concerned about possible delays and their impact on efforts to enhance broadband infrastructure nationwide. As the review progresses, balancing federal oversight and state autonomy will be crucial in determining the program’s success in addressing the digital divide.
