CWA defends BEAD program as House Republicans propose delays and Elon Musk seeks to divert public money for private profit

CWA defended efforts to bring affordable, high-speed internet to all Americans while creating quality jobs as the US House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing on the future of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $42 billion Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. 

With funding for the BEAD program ready to be deployed to the states, House Republicans have announced new legislation that could delay implementation. The Trump Administration has also announced that they will conduct a “rigorous review” of the BEAD program. They are reportedly considering an overhaul that could significantly increase funding for Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, instead of prioritizing high-quality fiber-optic broadband.

In written testimony submitted to the subcommittee before the hearing, CWA defended the BEAD program and stressed the urgent need to build the quality networks that communities are waiting for. CWA emphasized that fiber is the best performing technology of today and tomorrow, and that public dollars should not go towards expensive and unreliable satellite companies. CWA also explained that a well-trained workforce and quality networks go hand-in-hand. We cannot expect to have the workforce needed to build and maintain our networks if we do not create good jobs that will attract and retain a well-trained workforce.  The BEAD program recognizes this problem and gives states the flexibility to support labor standards and training.

CWA urged lawmakers and the administration not to slow down states’ BEAD programs: “Residents in rural and unserved areas have waited long enough. Many states are ready to award the funds and build networks and should not be slowed down with revised standards, new mandates or requirements. If NTIA wants to offer additional flexibility, it can do so through waivers for particular states, and not delay states that are ready to move forward today.”

Links:

CWA defends high-speed internet program as House Republicans propose delays and Elon Musk seeks to divert public money for private profit (CWA, Mar. 5, 2025)

Commerce to Overhaul ‘Internet for All’ Plan, Expanding Starlink Funding Prospects (WSJ, Mar. 4, 2025)

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the BEAD Program (US Department of Commerce, Mar. 5, 2025)