Congressman Richard Hudson, representing North Carolina, has spearheaded the introduction of the Streamlining Program Efficiency and Expanding Deployment (SPEED) for BEAD Act. As Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Hudson leads Republican members in this legislative effort aimed at improving the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to enhance broadband accessibility.
“Too many Americans do not have access to broadband,” stated Chairman Hudson. “Yet, not a cent of the BEAD funds have been put towards actual deployment for even one household. This is unacceptable. Our rural communities need to be fully connected, and this legislation will do that.”
The initiative has garnered support from several organizations including ACA Connects, Fiber Broadband Association, INCOMPAS, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, USTelecom, WISPA, and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.
Congressman Brett Guthrie from Kentucky commented on the legislation’s importance: “The SPEED for BEAD Act is crucial for removing the suffocating regulations in the BEAD program from the last administration and allowing states to pursue technologies that best fit the needs of their constituents.” He expressed gratitude towards Hudson for his leadership in enhancing connectivity.
Grant Spellmeyer of ACA Connects remarked: “ACA Connects: America’s Communications Association thanks the Energy and Commerce Committee for leading on the SPEED for BEAD Act to streamline unnecessary requirements that are slowing deployment down.”
Gary Bolton from Fiber Broadband Association praised Hudson’s leadership as vital for more efficient fiber broadband deployment across America.
INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering described it as a commonsense piece of legislation ensuring faster network implementation using diverse technologies.
NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield emphasized its potential role in universal service delivery: “We are grateful to Chairman Hudson for his proposals to accelerate the implementation of this program.”
USTelecom President Jonathan Spalter highlighted how cutting red tape will aid high-speed internet access delivery to needed areas.
Matt Mandel from WISPA lauded its alignment with IIJA’s original vision by focusing efforts on truly unserved communities without overbuilding already served areas.
Key provisions include renaming it as Broadband Expansion, Access, and Deployment program; utilizing all technologies; focusing funds on deployment and workforce development; providing provider flexibility; eliminating Biden-Harris Administration-imposed conditions increasing costs or deterring participation.
