The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click . This episode is sponsored by and .
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine reconnects with one of the broadband industry’s most trusted policy voices: Lori Adams of Nokia. With over two decades of experience across both public and private sectors, Lori is positioned to break down the policy shifts in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Lori’s return to the show comes at a pivotal moment. In June 2025, the NTIA issued new guidance that effectively reset the BEAD program. This update disrupted previously awarded grants, introduced revised standards for funding eligibility, and compressed the entire application process into an intense 90-day window. For states, providers, and vendors alike, the clock is ticking—and the implications are massive.
BEAD Origins: A Quick Recap
Lori begins the conversation with a recap of BEAD’s origins. Created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), BEAD represents a $42.5 billion federal investment to close the digital divide in the United States. Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the program channels funds through state broadband offices, requiring each to develop a five-year plan, publish broadband availability maps, and establish a grant process for providers.
Over the past few years, states worked diligently to define eligible areas, gather public feedback, and launch grant programs. Some, like Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada, had even announced preliminary grant recipients before the NTIA issued its new policy in June 2025.
The Reset: What Changed in June 2025?
The NTIA’s updated guidance on June 6, 2025, halted final approvals and rescinded all previously awarded BEAD grants. It also introduced a requirement for states to reissue maps and open new grant application processes—all within a 90-day timeline. According to Lori, this created a sense of urgency across the broadband landscape. Every state must now:
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Submit updated broadband maps with technical revisions
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Accept and evaluate new applications
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Publish preliminary award recommendations
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Submit final grant decisions to NTIA by September 4, 2024
The pressure is immense, particularly for smaller states and providers already stretched thin.
Tech Neutrality: New Rules, New Strategy
A central tenet of the new BEAD rules is tech neutrality. While the NTIA emphasizes that no technology should be favored outright, applicants are now required to meet a new classification: Priority Broadband Projects (PBPs). To qualify as a PBP, an application must demonstrate that its proposed technology:
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Delivers at least 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload speeds
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Maintains latency under 100 milliseconds
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Meets quality and reliability benchmarks
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Is scalable for future capacity demands
These criteria are meant to ensure BEAD-funded networks are not just affordable and fast, but also resilient and future-ready.
However, as Lori points out, tech neutrality isn’t always straightforward. For example, while fixed wireless or low-earth orbit satellite solutions may meet these criteria in a specific project area, they may fall short when deployed across multiple regions. The burden of proof lies with the applicant to demonstrate compliance—both technically and geographically.
Fiber’s Role: Cost, Scalability, and the Long-Term View
So where does fiber stand in this tech-neutral framework?
Lori explains that despite the inclusive language around technologies, fiber remains the gold standard—especially for long-term scalability. Fiber’s high upfront costs are offset by long-term ROI, lower maintenance, and its ability to support evolving technologies like AI, data centers, and next-gen applications.
Many providers continue to prioritize fiber deployments where cost-efficiency aligns, while considering wireless and satellite solutions for particularly difficult or sparsely populated terrain. However, the new emphasis on cost-per-location metrics is pushing some providers to be more surgical in how and where they deploy fiber.
Lori adds that states are aware of these trade-offs. They are being encouraged to consider geographic realities (mountains, forests, rural sprawl) as they evaluate proposals and determine the best mix of technologies per project area.
Build America, Buy America: Impact on Manufacturing and Compliance
One of the most significant compliance challenges facing fiber providers is Build America, Buy America (BABA). Under BEAD, providers deploying fiber infrastructure must source materials—including fiber optics, enclosures, and electronics—from U.S. manufacturers.
Lori emphasizes that this requirement has already had a huge impact. More than 45 companies have invested in domestic manufacturing, resulting in:
These numbers reflect a major shift in broadband supply chains, one that aligns with national policy objectives to strengthen U.S. infrastructure and manufacturing. However, fixed wireless and satellite providers are currently exempt from BABA rules, which raises concerns about cost equity in a supposedly tech-neutral system.
Spectrum Policy and the FCC’s Renewed Authority
Another notable development is the return of spectrum authority to the FCC via recent legislation. Lori sees this as a critical development that could reshape the landscape for wireless applicants in BEAD.
She notes that spectrum auctions and regulatory changes around unlicensed bands—such as CBRS and 6 GHz Wi-Fi—could directly impact the feasibility of some fixed wireless projects. In short, spectrum that is available today might not be tomorrow, introducing risk for wireless BEAD applicants.
Private Investment and the Future Beyond BEAD
While BEAD dominates the conversation, Lori reminds listeners that it’s not the only funding source in play. In fact, much of the broadband investment happening today is privately driven.
Private equity, municipal initiatives, and state-level funds continue to play a major role in broadband expansion—especially in areas not eligible for BEAD support. Texas, for example, has allocated substantial funds outside of BEAD, and even offers matching support for BEAD applicants.
Lori notes that BEAD’s focus on the most rural, unserved areas leaves a wide swath of underserved communities that still require investment. That gap is increasingly being filled by private and local funding efforts.
Will All $42.5 Billion Be Spent?
With fewer eligible locations today—down from 12 million to roughly 5.5 million due to overlapping funding programs—Lori doubts the full $42.5 billion will be used for deployment.
States will have the option to redirect leftover funds to other broadband-related initiatives, but the NTIA has delayed releasing details on what qualifies. Lori expects more clarity on these secondary use cases once the dust settles from the current application cycle.
Looking Ahead: Key Deadlines and Industry Expectations
As the 90-day countdown continues, Lori expresses cautious optimism. Most states appear committed to meeting the September 4th deadline. NTIA, for its part, has promised to approve all final proposals within the same 90-day window, with funding expected to flow before the end of 2025.
Still, Lori advises industry stakeholders to stay informed and engaged.
“Things are changing every day. That’s not hyperbole,” she warns. “And with so much information circulating, there’s also a lot of misinformation.”
Her recommendation? Follow official sources. Engage with state broadband offices. And make your voice heard in the process.
Final Thoughts: The Broadband Journey Isn’t Over
As the episode closes, Brad asks Lori the classic broadband policy question: If broadband expansion were a baseball game, what inning are we in?
Lori’s response: It depends.
While BEAD aims to reach the most unserved Americans, it won’t be the final chapter. Aging infrastructure, growing bandwidth demand, and the rise of AI and data-driven technologies mean that the push for fiber—and better connectivity—will continue well beyond this funding cycle.
“Fiber supports innovation,” Lori concludes. “And the demand for it isn’t going to decrease.”
© 2025 Enhanced Telecommunications.
