Public Notice released June 6, 2025.
SUMMARY
In a Public Notice released on June 6, 2025, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) outlined the significant revisions on how Eligible Entities (states) and providers will participate in the $42.45 Billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The updates announced by the NTIA aim to reduce regulatory burdens, accelerate broadband deployment, and promote competition across all broadband technologies.
KEY CHANGES IN THE BEAD PROGRAM
- Regulatory Burdens Eliminated. NTIA has removed non-statutory requirements. At a high level, the following are the key elements that have been impacted:
- Labor and DEI removed (e.g., fair labor practices, workforce development, DEI reporting)
- Climate change resilience
- Open Access / Net Neutrality
- Local coordination and stakeholder engagement
- Non-traditional provider preferences
- Middle-class affordability – Low-Cost Service Option (LCSO)
- Technology Neutrality Restored. Priority for Fiber Projects has been eliminated. Fixed unlicensed wireless, satellite (LEO), hybrid, and cable technologies may now compete (required to provide 100/20 Mbps, ≤100 ms latency).
- New Competitive Selection Round Required. States must reopen the subgrantee selection process via a “Benefit of the Bargain” round. All preliminary or provisional awards must be rescinded, and applications re-scored under a cost-focused rubric. Final Proposals must be resubmitted within 90 days.
- Simplified Scoring Criteria:
- Primary Criterion – Lowest BEAD program outlay per location.
- Secondary Criteria (if within 15% cost range) – Deployment speed, technical capabilities, and prior provisional status.
- Location Optimization Required. States must update BEAD location lists to exclude served locations and account for unlicensed fixed wireless service where applicable. However, states will not be required to re-run their challenge process.
- Permitting Streamlined. Required use of NTIA’s Environmental Screening and Permitting Tracking Tool (ESAPTT) to expedite environmental reviews and reduce permitting delays.
THIS MAY APPLY TO YOU IF…
- You have already been notified as being preliminarily awarded BEAD funds in your state, as the award is to be rescinded – you will be notified of next steps by your state.
- You opted to not participate in BEAD yet, there are new opportunities to apply, even if previously rejected or ineligible.
- If the regulatory compliance costs were initially a factor in your decision not to apply. These costs can now be removed from budgets.
- You are interested in applying using an alternative technology.
ACTION ITEMS & TIMELINE
- States will need to submit a letter to NTIA requesting correction to their Initial Proposal within 30 days.
- States with approved Final Proposals will need to submit a revised Final Proposal within 90 days, including the new “Benefit of the Bargain” subgrantee round.
- As a provider, you need to be aware of these deadlines and be in touch with your State Broadband Office and be prepared to revise and resubmit your BEAD application.
NEXT STEPS & VANTAGE POINT ASSISTANCE
Vantage Point stands ready to help your organization navigate these BEAD policy changes. Whether you need to assess how the new rules apply in your state, revise an existing application, or prepare a new submission, our team can guide you every step of the way.
