NTIA Updates BEAD Program Rules in New Policy Notice

On June 6, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a policy notice amending the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) program requirements.

While the NTIA describes this as a “restructuring,” the amendment significantly departs from the program’s original requirements.

An analysis by AIPI highlights how these changes pose major challenges for Tribal Nations and Tribally-owned entities, particularly those seeking BEAD funding as sub-grantees to deploy infrastructure in remote, difficult terrain.

View, read and download the policy explainer.

Related work: 

• New FCC Report on Internet Usage Excludes Tribal Data