Montana’s broadband office will hold a public event on June 25 to discuss the policy changes to the BEAD Program.
The Visionary Broadband project provides high-capacity middle-mile connectivity across a stretch of rural northeast Wyoming where broadband access has historically lagged.
The BEAD changes require states to select the lowest-cost applicants, whatever technology they use. New scoring criteria have been imposed.
Lutnick said the Biden administration had 30 months for BEAD “and they did nothing.” He pledged 100% funding by the end of 2025.
The key for the letter to President Trump — which was signed by the leaders of five broadband industry associations — is to get BEAD moving.
Washington began accepting BEAD applications last November. Their Round 1 funding window closed in January, and Round 2 opened in March.