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Highlights | Meet NTIA's OICG Leadership | Programmatic Updates
Highlights
Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth Discusses the Future of US Broadband and Spectrum Strategy at the Hudson Institute
On October 28th, Assistant Secretary Roth provided remarks at the Hudson Institute where she discussed the mission of the BEAD. "BEAD is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to finish the job on universal broadband." She discussed the importance of discipline and oversight to ensure the success of the program. Other keys for success are ensuring the right regulatory environment and addressing permitting obstacles that will allow providers to build and not battle bureaucracy. To make BEAD truly succeed and keep defaults to an absolute minimum, Assistant Secretary Roth underscored the importance of NTIA fostering an environment that enables – not discourages – investment and holds providers accountable for sustainable, deliverable builds.
In the coming weeks, NTIA will be announcing the approval of several state plans that incorporate these commitments. NTIA remains on track to approve the majority of state plans and get money out the door this year. Staying focused on the principles outlined in the speech, Secretary Roth is confident that BEAD will finally close broadband gaps the right way, once and for all.
In case you missed the Assistant Secretary’s remarks, you can view them on the Hudson Institute’s website.
Assistant Secretary Roth with Harold Furchtgott-Roth, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for the Economics of the Internet at the Hudson Institute.
Assistant Secretary Roth on Capitol Hill
Last month, Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth visited the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in her new role, holding a round of successful introductory meetings. Assistant Secretary Roth met with four members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
These meetings allowed Assistant Secretary Roth to share her vision for NTIA and learn about the Members’ legislative priorities. Key topics included the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, broadband permitting, spectrum, U.S. global competitiveness, and FirstNet.
Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth with Representative Buddy Carter of Georgia.
Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth with Representative August Pfluger of Texas. Photo Courtesy of the Office of Representative Pfluger.
BEAD Final Proposal Update
As of today, 52 out of 56 states and territories submitted their Final Proposals, demonstrating a savings of at least $18 billion. Follow state and territory progress on the BEAD Progress Dashboard.
Permitting for Broadband Infrastructure Projects Webinar
NTIA hosted a public webinar on September 30, 2025 on permitting and deploying broadband infrastructure projects. The webinar reviewed resources available to NTIA grant recipients and how to leverage NTIA’s streamlining tools to navigate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting reviews. With over 600 people in attendance, NTIA provided guidance on the types of permits required for deployment, securing easements and rights-of-way, and accessing federal, state, and local lands.
Missed it? Check out the BroadbandUSA event webpage to watch the recording and download the slide deck.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month!
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! For over 20 years, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has highlighted the importance of reducing risks when online and using connected devices. This year’s theme is Building a Cyber Strong America.
CISA has shared four ways for businesses and organizations to increase online safety:
- Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing Scams: Phishing tricks employees into opening malicious attachments or sharing sensitive information. Train staff to recognize and report suspicious activity.
- Require Strong Passwords: Strong passwords are a simple but powerful way to block criminals from accessing your accounts through guessing or automated attacks. Make them mandatory for all users.
- Require Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords. Require it to make accounts significantly safer. Use phishing-resistant MFA where available.
- Update Business Software: Outdated software can contain exploitable flaws. Promptly install security updates and patches to keep your systems protected.
For more information on Cybersecurity Awareness Month and tips on how to protect yourself and your organization online, visit CISA’s website and check out the Cybersecurity Awareness Month Toolkit.
Meet NTIA's Office of Internet Connectivity & Growth Leadership
Douglas “Doug” Kinkoph, Associate Administrator, Office of Internet Connectivity & Growth (OICG)
Doug Kinkoph is Associate Administrator of NTIA's Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth. Kinkoph joined the Department of Commerce in 2010 and has served in a number of roles, including Acting Assistant Secretary, working on issues including spectrum management, broadband, and public safety communications.
In his current role, Kinkoph is responsible for NTIA’s broadband programs, including implementation and management of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, and the Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. He oversees the Broadband Infrastructure, Tribal Broadband Connectivity, and Connecting Minority Communities Pilot programs. He oversaw the $4 billion Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, which funded the deployment of broadband infrastructure, public computer centers, sustainable adoption of broadband service, and statewide broadband planning. He was instrumental in creating NTIA’s BroadbandUSA program.
Before joining the Department, Doug held executive roles in communications and as a telecommunications policy expert. He served as Vice President of Operations at Soundpath Conferencing, where he was responsible for sales, marketing, and customer service. He served in senior regulatory and policy roles at XO Communications, Nextlink, and LCI. He has degrees in Telecommunication Management from Ohio University and Administration from Central Michigan University.
Susannah Spellman, Deputy Associate Administrator for Strategy, Implementation, and Coordination
Susannah Spellman currently serves as the Deputy Associate Administrator for Strategy, Implementation, and Coordination for the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG). Prior to that role, she served as the Director of Strategy & Communications for NTIA’s OICG.
Susannah has more than 25 years of experience working in telecommunications strategy, program development, management, and leadership roles. She has worked in the commercial, not-for-profit, and federal space, both domestically and internationally, helping to shape, launch, and execute telecommunications programs, most recently to advance broadband infrastructure development, adoption, and use. Prior to joining the federal government, worked for Internet2, IBM, Deutsche Telcom’s consulting arm, and Booz Allen Hamilton.
Courtney Dozier, Acting Deputy Associate Administrator, BEAD
Courtney Dozier currently serves as the Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for NTIA’s BEAD Program, which will expand high-speed Internet across all 56 States and Territories. Prior to that role, she served as the program’s Deputy Director. Courtney brings more than 15 years of leadership, management, and oversight of complex projects and multidisciplinary teams across dozens of states and federal initiatives.
Prior to joining NTIA, Courtney served as Policy Director for the Office of the Governor in Virginia and as Chief Deputy at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. She previously led advocacy efforts across multiple issue areas to achieve evidence-based policy change at the state level for the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Programmatic Updates
Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program Update
NTIA’s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program—a $268 million grant program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other institutions to address access to high-speed Internet service—is wrapping up its work over the next few months. NTIA awarded funding through this program to 93 higher education institutions to purchase Internet access services or any eligible equipment, or to hire and train technology personnel. Through grantees’ collective efforts, the CMC program has hit several key milestones, including:
- 19,670 new broadband subscriptions,
- 19,022 new certifications,
- 43,351 devices distributed to students and patrons,
- 163 broadband network upgrades,
- 108 jobs filled from CMC-funded programs,
- 13,142 faculty and staff received professional development, and
- 36,514 community members trained in digital skills to succeed in the digital economy.
(Data is as of September 30, 2024.)
Faculty and students of Morgan State University, CMC Grantee, distributing devices to Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, MD on June 11, 2024. Photo Courtesy of Dr. Uttam Gaulee.
Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) Update
As of October 3, 2025, the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) Team completed 9 grantee site visits, inspecting the fiber optic infrastructure of more than 50 projects across some of America’s most underserved communities.
BIP predominantly serves small towns, with a median population under 1,400 residents. Sabine County, TX does not have traffic signals, only four-way stops; four Mississippi counties in the project service area have a combined population of 26,000; and Northport, WA’s project area sits 117 miles from the nearest interstate. Yet for these small communities, fast and reliable internet is more important than ever—for work, virtual learning, healthcare access, small business growth, and staying connected with family and friends. In the 21st century, the digital world is a part of daily life no matter where you live.
Despite these challenges, BIP awardees have made significant progress, with over 70% of projects being complete or near completion. To date, this has resulted in more than 4,500 miles of deployed fiber and over 70,000 connected households, businesses, and community anchor institutions.
The most remote and isolated BIP project area, Northport, Washington. The Northport, Washington project is located 117 miles from the nearest interstate.
Federal Program Officer William Dixon inspecting a distribution hub in Murrayville, Georgia.
Have you spotted the team in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, or Washington? Or have you benefited from any other BIP projects? If so, we would love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].