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A new letter signed by the CEOs of several industry associations urges the president to move forward quickly with BEAD implementation.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
A new letter signed by the leaders of five telecoms industry associations calls on President Donald Trump to bring an end to the BEAD Program’s ongoing delays.
The letter, dated May 27, thanks the president for his commitment to rural broadband deployment while urging him to allow the BEAD Program to move forward.
“Our members are the companies that have been the boots on the ground building, maintaining, and supplying the equipment for the broadband network infrastructure in rural America,” the letter stated, “and we cannot overstate the importance of getting the BEAD program on track.”
Signatories to the letter included leaders of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, the Telecommunications Industry Association, USTelecom – The Broadband Association, and WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving rural broadband challenges,” the letter said.
Furthermore, the letter acknowledged that “every technology will have an important role to play in BEAD.”
The letter continues.
“At the same time, BEAD is a golden opportunity to drive as much fiber infrastructure as feasible into our country, which will help advance your Administration’s important connectivity, AI, and advanced manufacturing goals.”
As previously reported by Broadband Communities, Louisiana has been among states to bear the brunt of delays to the BEAD Program.
The program, a $42.45 billion broadband buildout, was created by Congress as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.
Delays to BEAD were first announced by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in March.
In the months since, the pause has been blamed for leading to hardships in Louisiana, including private sector layoffs.
‘Not a single household has been connected’
Despite being passed over three years ago, this week’s letter to Trump also points out that “not a single household has been connected to high-speed internet through the program.”
The letter urges Trump to “eliminate the unnecessary and burdensome program requirements imposed by the Biden Administration,” while allowing states to move forward.
“We are confident that under your direction, BEAD can unleash economic opportunity for America’s rural communities,” the letter additionally stated, “and we appreciate your leadership in moving the program forward.”
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