The Trump administration's recent overhaul of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has significantly disrupted state governments' plans to allocate $42 billion in federal broadband funding. This disruption compels states to revise their distribution strategies for connecting unserved areas. Maine Connectivity Authority President Andrew Butcher expressed frustration at the delay, as preparations for construction activities were in place. The changes push back project timelines, depriving states of the opportunity to enhance broadband access during optimal construction season.
"We had been in position to be making awards this month, but for [the Trump administration's] deliberations and program changes, so it's pretty unfortunate," Butcher told Ars.
"This is the construction season," Butcher said. "We planned it so that projects would be able to get ready with their pre-construction activities and their construction activities beginning in the summer..."
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