Cruz, others urge pause on BEAD

​Senator Ted Cruz and other Republicans are seeking significant changes to the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and its associated policies. Cruz, who will chair the Senate Commerce Committee, criticized the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for prioritizing fiber networks and enforcing requirements for low-cost internet plans, which he claims violate the law. He called for a halt to the program until the Trump administration assumes leadership, accusing the NTIA of excessive bureaucracy, “technology bias,” and ignoring congressional intent.

The BEAD program, created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) receiving subsidies to offer low-cost broadband options. NTIA guidance encourages states to set a $30 monthly rate for eligible subscribers, sparking GOP allegations of unauthorized rate regulation. NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson defended the guidance as consistent with the law, which mandates affordable service options but does not regulate rates.

Republicans, emboldened by electoral gains, aim to amend the law to remove affordability mandates and streamline funding distribution. Cruz also criticized the NTIA’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program for allegedly unconstitutional race-based criteria, despite Congress defining racial and ethnic minorities as covered populations. Advocacy groups like the Benton Institute counter that the NTIA is following congressional directives to address inequities.

With Republicans gaining control of Congress, BEAD program changes and broader broadband policy shifts appear likely, potentially delaying efforts to expand high-speed internet access nationwide.