SPEED for BEAD Act Aims to Reform Broadband Program

Based on the provided document, here's a concise 200-word summary of the SPEED for BEAD Act:
On March 5, 2025, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced the SPEED for BEAD Act, the first major legislative proposal to amend the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
The bill proposes several significant changes, including renaming the program to "Broadband Expansion, Access, and Deployment." Unused funds would be returned to the Treasury rather than reallocated to other states. Digital inclusion activities would no longer be eligible for funding, though telecommunications workforce development would be added.
The legislation would allow internet service providers to remove locations that would "unreasonably increase costs" from service areas. It would prohibit numerous award conditions related to labor practices, climate change, and network management.
The bill would redefine "reliable broadband service" to include any technology meeting performance criteria, enabling technologies like LEO satellites to compete alongside cable and fiber options. It would also prevent regulation of broadband rates, including low-cost plans for low-income households.
While the bill could soon receive a legislative hearing, it lacks a Senate companion. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has indicated interest in similar reforms. Critics note the legislation could delay deployment by requiring states to rewrite their BEAD plans, potentially taking over a year.