What’s New in Digital Equity: BEAD Program Changes Forthcoming

This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below:

• BEAD Program Changes Forthcoming
• Idaho to End Helpline
• Cities Launch Initiatives
• Cleveland State University Skills Center
• Illinois County Offers Digital Skills Software Licenses

BEAD PROGRAM CHANGES FORTHCOMING

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has provided an update on the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

The program, which was established by Congress as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has recently been put on hold for federal review, the process of which has caused delays. The review is intended to remove unnecessary restrictions and may cause changes that have not yet been made clear to states.

Among the proposed changes to the program is the shift to allow for more low earth orbit satellite connectivity rather than fiber broadband — the latter of which has been touted for years as the gold standard, as it is the technology that is considerably more “future-proof” because it provides larger amounts of information at faster speeds.

This week, NTIA told states they would have an extra 90 days to submit their spending plans for the program.

This extension comes “in anticipation of these forthcoming programmatic changes and to ensure states and territories have sufficient time to implement them,” NTIA said in the Notice of Programmatic Waiver.

While the federal government reviews the congressionally approved program and implements changes, states are dealing with the repercussions of making shifts at this stage, when much work has already been done by states. That includes approval of all states’ and territories’ digital equity plans, and of their initial proposals.

For example, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) announced an update on the program in the state, indicating that NTIA’s anticipated updates will make it “infeasible” for the state to complete the program requirements in the previously established timeframe.

MCA notes that an updated policy notice is expected from NTIA in mid-May, but the details of the changes and final timing have yet to be made clear. MCA said it is matching the pace being set by the federal government and not advancing negotiations with partners until the details of the program’s changes are made clear. Maine is one of many states that communicated recommendations to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to help the program remain on track.

According to MCA’s announcement, the state will implement updated NTIA requirements as soon as NTIA communicates them: “Investors are ready. Communities are ready. ISPs are ready. The workforce is ready. Consumers are ready. People in rural areas are REALLY ready.”

IDAHO TO END HELPLINE

The state of Idaho has announced several updates to its Digital Access for All Idahoans (DAAI) plan. Because the Idaho Commission For Libraries (ICfL) did not receive full spending authority from the state Legislature for the federally funded DAAI plan this forthcoming fiscal year, the plan’s opportunities and project scope have been impacted. Libraries play an essential role in the work to expand Internet access.

The ICfL must eliminate a staff position that is focused on increasing digital skills. This position supported the state’s digital navigator helpline, which now must be discontinued May 1. The state is accepting feedback about alternative ways to support digital navigator efforts.

The ICfL will also not be able to open another round of monetary subgrants in fiscal year 2026; the initial round of subgrants that opened in fall 2024 is still slated to be awarded.

Programs from the DAAI plan are led by the ICfL and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

There have reportedly been disputes about funding for the Digital Access for All Idahoans grant because the program could be used to benefit people whose first language is not English, which critics say contradicts President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” This is not the first example of this executive order negatively impacting work to expand connectivity.

CITIES LAUNCH ACCESS INITIATIVES

At the local level, cities continue to make advancements to support residents’ access to Internet and the skills to use it.

For example, Boston recently released its digital equity report, which outlines remaining barriers to access — including affordability, connection speed and digital literacy — and offers recommendations to increase access beyond the 80 percent of residents with home Internet connections.

Also this week, Philadelphia announced the launch of two new tools that will increase awareness of the city’s free Wi-Fi access for residents and policymakers alike.

And New York City announced a new program, Neighborhood Tech Help, the development of which has been in the works for several years. This pilot will enable access to in-person technical support at affordable housing developments and community centers.

CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY SKILLS CENTER

Last week, Cleveland State University (CSU) announced the launch of the Verizon Community Forward Learning Center, which expands access to technology and credentialing programs. This is the third such center launched in partnership with entrepreneur support firm JumpStart, under the Verizon Community Forward initiative.

CSU’s Learning Center will leverage JumpStart’s expertise and the lessons learned through the centers in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton and Union-Miles neighborhoods. The new center, however, will offer access to expanded resources for a broader audience including college students, adult learners and local small business owners.

In addition to supporting digital skills knowledge, the center will also deliver workforce development programming and technology training targeting small business owners.

CSU Provost Nigamanth Sridhar described it in a statement as “a resource that bridges technology, education and economic opportunity for individuals across our region.”

ILLINOIS COUNTY OFFERS DIGITAL SKILLS SOFTWARE LICENSES

Lake County, Ill., will be offering 29 digital skills software licenses to nonprofit, educational, and government organizations that engage in skill-building programming.

The county announced it will be doing this through Northstar Digital Literacy, a Literacy Minnesota program, which provides organizations with curriculum to teach residents digital skills to use tools like Microsoft applications and telehealth services. The awarded organizations will receive a software license and access to Northstar’s curriculum, which includes online lesson plans and digital skills assessments. This collaboration is supported by the Digital Growth Initiative.

Eligible organizations are those that have experience serving the Lake County populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and those that have the operational capacity and experience to offer training. Interested entities can apply by May 31.

Residents in a low- or moderate-income household, those who are facing unemployment, food insecurity or housing insecurity, and those who are qualified for specific subsidy programs will be eligible for the trainings.