Rural-Focused $42 Billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program Becomes Operational

After four years of planning, a change in presidential administration that revised program rules, and months of delays, most states have unlocked a portion of funding under a $42.45 billion rural broadband expansion program. While the lead-up to implementing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program has been long, state officials and industry analysts say it pales in comparison to the work required to turn plans into functioning networks. States have six months to finalize contracts with participating internet service providers and complete required environmental and historic reviews, before construction can begin. Some expect projects to break ground as early as the second half of 2026. Still, major questions remain, including how more than half the program’s funding will be used.