The impact of the 2024 election on internet policy is significant, even though it may not have been a major talking point during the campaign. Broadband policy is generally a bipartisan issue, with most politicians agreeing on the importance of high-speed internet access. However, there are differing opinions on how to achieve this goal and what is best for the people who rely on broadband services. The $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program, passed in 2021 to expand internet infrastructure, is a focal point for debate. The effectiveness of this program could be influenced by the outcome of the election.
Republicans may seek to accelerate the rollout of the BEAD program by removing bureaucratic obstacles or making changes to its structure. Criticism from Republican officials regarding the pace of implementation and certain requirements of the program has put it under scrutiny. There are concerns that meddling with the BEAD program, which is already underway, could disrupt the progress that has been made. However, some Republican leaders, such as former Senate Commerce Chairman Roger Wicker and Sen. Ted Cruz, believe that a Republican administration would be better positioned to streamline the program and address its shortcomings.
Attempts to speed up the BEAD rollout may face challenges due to the progress already made in implementing the program. The current administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Alan Davidson, remains optimistic about the future of the BEAD program and its impact on expanding internet access nationwide. Concerns about the timeline for completing the projects under BEAD, particularly in states with challenging construction conditions like Michigan, raise questions about the feasibility of accelerating the program.
Changes to the NTIA, the organization overseeing the BEAD program, could have implications for its future. With a potential downsizing of the NTIA under a Republican administration, there may be delays in the processing of award applicants, which could impact the overall progress of BEAD projects. The possibility of reinstating policies like Schedule F, which could replace civil servants with political appointees, may lead to further disruptions in the administration of the BEAD program. The uncertainty surrounding the NTIA and its leadership adds complexity to the future of broadband infrastructure expansion in the United States.
The involvement of political factors in the administration of the NTIA and the BEAD program creates challenges for ensuring the timely and effective implementation of broadband infrastructure projects. The impact of changes in leadership and policies at the federal level on internet policy and access underscores the importance of a coherent and strategic approach to broadband investment and development. The outcomes of the 2024 election will determine the trajectory of broadband policy and its implications for digital connectivity in the years to come. The decisions made by elected officials will shape the future of the internet and its accessibility to all Americans.
