Federal Review Delays Louisiana's $1.3 Billion Broadband Funding

Louisiana's $1.3 billion federal broadband funding remains stalled due to an ongoing federal review, according to Thomas Tyler, deputy director of the state's broadband office. While Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada received spending plan approvals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program during the Biden administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology hasn't provided final sign-off since the Trump administration transition.

The delay has left these states in limbo despite providers being "ready to hit the dirt" with deployments. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently announced plans to revamp BEAD with a "tech-neutral approach," potentially shifting away from the program's preference for fiber infrastructure.
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This comes as Republican lawmakers challenge aspects of the program, with Rep. Richard Hudson introducing legislation to eliminate certain requirements and broaden technology options. Despite uncertainties, over 32 states have begun soliciting grant applications under current guidelines.

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