Digital Divide

Despite its aim of universal service – or as close to universal service as possible – it appears unavoidable that some locations will remain unserved after BEAD. Whether BEAD is deemed successful or not will hinge on the number of these locations. If there are 1 million unserved–or even 100,000–post-BEAD, then BEAD will not have achieved the mission that everyone understood it to have: pushing broadband to as many people as possible and finally achieving universal or near-universal availability.

Since June 6, when the Trump NTIA released its BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice (RPN), states have been racing to update their maps of eligible locations, conduct a new “Benefit of the Bargain” (BOTB) round, negotiate with prospective subgrantees, release

When the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) revealed several weeks ago that its changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program would include cost thresholds, the state of Colorado had reason to be concerned. “We know Colorado is expensive,” said Brandy Reitter, executive director of the Colorado Broadband Office.

After the federal government canceled a major grant program over the summer, Pennsylvania digital equity orgs are struggling to stay afloat. The now-terminated $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act (DEA) would’ve distributed millions of dollars to Pennsylvania, helping to provide access to the internet, devices and digital skills programming.

The digital world just became less optional. As of September 30, 2025, the federal government has stopped issuing paper checks for benefits like Social Security. Payments are now deposited directly into bank accounts or onto prepaid debit cards—methods that require not only access to financial services but also the ability to navigate online systems. This is just the latest in a series of policy changes that assume universal internet access. From healthcare enrollment to unemployment benefits, tax filing to student loan repayment, more essential services are now available only online.

Last month, digital divide researchers convened at two major events: the Digital Access Research Forum and the Research Conference on Communications, Information and Internet Policy (better known as TPRC).

The DC State Broadband Office (DC SBO) released its draft Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program final proposal. The draft proposal can be viewed on DC SBO website. To submit a public comment, send an email to OCTO.grants@dc.gov by 11:59 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Grants Program, totaling over $145,000. The company awarded grants to 31 rural-serving organizations nationwide to support projects in public service, education, health and business development. Awards include $4,945 to Central Christian College of Kansas to create a Digital Learning and Academic Support Hub that expands access to broadband-enabled technologies and peer tutoring for rural and first-generation students.

Despite the federal government shutdown, states across the country are making strides on their own broadband and digital equity initiatives. Four states in particular caught our eye this week. Many of these initiatives were designed to work in tandem with federal investments, especially those created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or to fill gaps created by the sunsetting of crucial programs, like the ACP.

A new partnership between Citizens Bank, Newark Fiber, and real estate developer Adenah Bayoh is setting a benchmark for digital equity in Newark (NJ).