Vermont Delays $223 Million Broadband Initiative
Vermont’s ambitious $223 million broadband project, funded through the Biden administration’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, faces setbacks due to federal regulatory reviews initiated by the Trump administration. Initially poised to enhance high-speed fiber broadband connections in the state’s rural areas, delays in federal funding have raised concerns among state officials.
Christine Hallquist, Executive Director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board, stated that bureaucratic delays and ongoing regulatory shifts have hindered progress. These issues complicate plans to utilize an additional $40 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for matching funds, with a looming deadline of 2026 for those funds. "We were counting on all of it, but this is adding some delays to the program," Hallquist noted.
The recently released federal rules now mandate a reopened bidding process for states to reapply under new terms, eliminating previous requirements focused on diversity, equity, climate issues, and favoring fiber networks over potentially less reliable technologies like wireless satellites. National broadband experts warn that this shift could exacerbate the digital divide, particularly in rural communities, with advocates criticizing the move as a retreat from robust broadband infrastructure.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick defended the changes, asserting that they aim to minimize regulatory burdens and promote efficient, technology-neutral solutions for internet access. However, Vermont officials worry that these guidelines might not suit the state’s mountainous terrain, emphasizing their commitment to universal access to high-speed internet by 2028.
As Vermont awaits further developments, officials remain hopeful that the eventual rollout will allow all residents seeking connectivity to benefit from reliable broadband services.
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