News

Arielle Roth has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead up the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

With a 52-42 vote along party lines, Arielle Roth has been confirmed as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.

With the role, Roth will also serve as Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The agency, formerly led by Adam Cassady in an acting capacity, is tasked with overseeing the government’s $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

Early congratulations filtered in following Roth’s confirmation, including from the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

In a statement provided to Broadband Communities, TIA CEO Dave Stehlin expressed enthusiasm for Roth’s confirmation.

“We are eager to collaborate with her to ensure every American has access to reliable internet, which is crucial for education, healthcare, and economic progress,” Stehlin said. “Additionally, we look forward to working together to address the broadband industry’s talent gap through targeted workforce development initiatives.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has been outspoken in support of Roth’s nomination.

“Arielle led my legislative and oversight efforts on communications and broadband policy with integrity, creativity, and dedication,” he previously said. “She has fought to defend the taxpayer, free speech, and kids online.”

Roth’s confirmation ends months of limbo.

Despite coasting through a nomination hearing in March, Roth’s confirmation took months to finalize.

During her hearing back in March, Roth emphasized that she wanted BEAD deployments to begin as quickly and as efficiently as possible. She also implied – strongly but not implicitly – that BEAD decisions would be made on a nuanced basis.

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