Minnesota and Maine Share Ideas on the Future of BEAD With Secretary Lutnick

At least two states—Maine and Minnesota—have contacted the U.S. Department of Commerce concerning the changes that may be made to the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. Minnesota’s suggestions about BEAD came via a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick from Bree Maki, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. The requested “volume 2” changes are a reduction or elimination of program and reporting requirements she characterized as “excessive.” The letter also requested four administrative task changes. The Maine Connectivity Authority, also in a letter to Secretary Lutnick suggested four steps that it said would accelerate and improve the program. The letter was signed by Andrew Butcher, the president of the authority. The suggestions were high level (i.e., recognizing that “[s]tates and territories are key to success” and that it is important to “[i]nvest in the right technology for the right place”).