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Highlights
NTIA Announces Approval of 52 BEAD Final Proposals
NTIA has approved 52 of 56 Eligible Entities’ Final Proposals to deliver universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Thanks to the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain reforms, these states saw a surge in participation, competition, and private sector matching contributions—driving down costs, increasing skin in the game, and advancing innovative solutions for consumers. NTIA is working diligently with states and territories to get the remaining four final proposals over the finish line. Progress can be viewed via the BEAD Progress Dashboard.
Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth Addresses the State of the Net Conference
On February 9, Assistant Secretary Roth participated in a fireside chat at the 22nd Annual State of the Net Conference in Washington, D.C. The Assistant Secretary’s remarks provided an update on BEAD, highlighting the savings impact from the Benefit of the Bargain. She also announced that at that time, NTIA had approved 50 Final Proposals.
Assistant Secretary Roth with Professor Daniel Lyons of Boston College Law School at the State of the Net Conference.
Assistant Secretary Roth joins the Brookings Institution for a Fireside Chat
On February 12, Assistant Secretary Roth joined the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution for a fireside chat discussing her vision for NTIA in 2026. She emphasized that her priorities are ensuring universal connectivity in the United States and strong U.S. technology leadership. She spoke about several important NTIA activities, including the BEAD Program, spectrum management, and shaping technology and telecommunications policy. Additionally, the Assistant Secretary shared that the issue of excessive screen time in school remains a top priority for her and the agency.
Assistant Secretary Roth joined Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, Director of the Center for Technology Innovation and Senior Fellow for Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, to discuss NTIA’s 2026 outlook.
Assistant Secretary Roth’s Congressional Meeting on BEAD Progress, Enhancing Public Safety
Earlier this month, Congressman Richard Hudson of North Carolina stopped by NTIA to meet with Assistant Secretary Roth. They had a great conversation regarding BEAD progress, FirstNet reauthorization, Next Generation 911, and other public safety communications issues.
Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth with Congressman Richard Hudson of North Carolina.
NTIA Hears from the Public on How to Best Use BEAD Savings
In February, NTIA convened a series of listening session on the use of BEAD program funds saved through the Trump Administration's Benefit of the Bargain reforms.
- On February 10, Assistant Secretary Roth led a closed-door listening session with leaders from all 56 states and territories’ broadband offices. Representatives from 45 states and territories shared how they hope to use the BEAD savings, with additional states sending in written comments.
- On February 11, NTIA heard from the broader public, with over 1,400 registering for our listening session and more than 1,000 participants logging in. In the time allotted, we heard from approximately 50 local officials, industry representatives, advocates, and members of the public.
- On February 18, in response to the overwhelming interest in the first public listening session, NTIA held an additional one. Over 500 people registered, with nearly 400 participants joining. During this two-hour session, we were able to hear from approximately 40 additional stakeholders.
- In addition to the listening sessions, NTIA received over 175 written comments by the February 18th deadline.
NTIA is grateful for the public’s interest in how the BEAD savings can be used in the most advantageous way possible and we look forward to presenting a plan for efficiently and effectively using this funding to benefit the American people.