Johannes M. Bauer, June 27, 2025 Key points Background The BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice of June 6, 2025 (PN) greatly narrows the vision embedded in the original BEAD program.[1] The previous approach recognized that digital equity and complementary policy measures, such as workforce development programs, boost the social and economic benefits of high-speed Internet access.[2] In contrast, the revised PN aims at minimizing BEAD program outlays for broadband access. Although efficiency and expediency are desirable, the new approach risks jeopardizing even the more modest remaining goals of BEAD. For one, the PN creates tensions between short- and long-term planning that […]