Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The denial of equitable access has been a defining feature throughout American history.

Continuing his crusade against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, President Donald Trump announced he was shutting down the Digital Equity Act in May 2025.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Restructuring Policy Notice of June 6, 2025, greatly narrows the vision embedded in the original BEAD program. The previous approach recognized that digital equity and complementary policy measures, such as workforce development programs, boost the social and economic benefits of high-speed Internet access. In contrast, the revised PN aims at minimizing BEAD program outlays for broadband access. Although efficiency and expediency are desirable, the new approach risks jeopardizing even the more modest remaining goals of BEAD.

North Dakota State Broadband Program Director Brian Newby prefers not to beat his head against a federal agency over which he has no control. “Just tell me the rules. We’ll follow the rules.” Officially, North Dakota only has about 2,000 locations left without broadband, though Newby thinks that after the bogus broadband locations are removed, the number may be closer to 1,000.

The revamped Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program opens the door for more wireless players to snag a piece of the funding pie. But certain broadband vendors could face roadblocks in meeting BEAD's domestic manufacturing requirements. The Build America, Buy America Act, which mandates certain broadband network components, construction materials and other related equipment must be made in the U.S., could “be an issue for WISPs,” said CCG Consulting President Doug Dawson.

The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity announced Maggie Woods as the new director of the Office of Digital Opportunity, Christina Strickland as chief deputy general counsel, and Dana Lee as deputy general counsel.

When the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced changes to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, the state of North Carolina had not yet begun accepting applications for funding. According to Angie Bailey, North Carolina director of broadband infrastructure, it will be challenging to meet the new deadlines that NTIA has imposed. “It’s a big lift with the timing window,” she said.

When President Donald Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on the first day of his second term, he launched an initiative to reduce federal grants, contracts, and programs across Federal government agencies. As of June 3, 2025, DOGE was estimating $180 billion in "savings" as a result of these reductions. This estimate includes funding for national broadband and digital equity efforts that have been cut entirely or significantly revamped in the last two months alone.

The Senate parliamentarian is asking the Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) to rework his 10-year moratorium on enforcing state artificial intelligence laws, according to Committee Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Cruz’s communications director Macarena Martinez said, “Out of respect, we are not going to comment on private consultations with the Parliamentarian,” and added, “The Democrats would be wise not to use this process to wishcast in public.” At issue is the scope of funding that will be conditioned on states complying with a 10-year pause on e

The clock is ticking until the Supreme Court issues its verdict on the $8 billion Universal Service Fund. Even if USF survives the legal battle, the question remains—what then?