States Must Consider Future of Broadband Offices

States continue to make headway on the implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, a $42 billion federal initiative to connect all Americans to high-speed internet. As state broadband offices collaborate with other government agencies, internet service providers, and communities to meet BEAD’s rapid four-year construction deadlines, state lawmakers should ensure that SBOs continue to have sufficient authority and capacity to effectively use BEAD funds and address statewide connectivity needs. In some states, policymakers will need to consider eliminating SBO “sunset” dates so that the offices do not shut down before their work is done. Policymakers often appropriately use “sunset” dates to ensure that government functions do not persist beyond their intended purpose—but the work required of SBOs will continue for years. Some states might also consider authorizing their SBOs to conduct activities alongside BEAD. For example, Andrew Butcher, the president of Maine’s SBO, testified before the state Legislature in October 2025 that his office’s authority to collect data from ISPs is an “essential tool” for infrastructure mapping, understanding pricing, and tracking market-specific financial needs to guide the state’s planning around connectivity.