Digital Beat

The Election’s Impact on Broadband and Digital Equity

The Trump administration does not officially begin until January 20th, but its allies are already proposing changes to major broadband programs. In this article, we explore two of those proposals—both from Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, the current ranking member and (likely) soon-to-be chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee. Given the committee’s jurisdiction over broadband, these proposals should be taken seriously.

TL;DR: Sen. Cruz is threatening programs that promote broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion. If you’d like to help defend these programs, please indicate so on this form and we will follow up.

Cruz Threatens to Halt Digital Equity Act Programs

On November 21, Sen. Cruz sent a letter to NTIA asking the agency to halt the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. As a reminder, this grant program is designed to support organizations that promote digital skills, cybersecurity know-how, and technology access so that people can thrive in our increasingly digital world.

In his letter, Sen. Cruz argues that the Competitive Grant Program is unconstitutional because it "considers the race of the Program’s beneficiaries when issuing grant awards." Sen. Cruz is referring to the fact that, by law, NTIA is required to evaluate grant applications based partially on how well they will serve certain "covered populations." (There are eight categories of “covered population,” but Sen. Cruz is singling out just one—racial and ethnic minorities.) Congress recognized that these populations are disproportionately affected by the digital divide, and so it designed the Digital Equity Programs to promote safe and effective internet use among covered populations. That is why NTIA is implementing the program this way—it’s the law.

Why it matters to you:

Many organizations in your state (including some of your partners) likely applied to the Competitive Grant Program. If selected, their projects will promote digital skills and broadband adoption, which can improve local economies, well-being, and competitiveness. Sen. Cruz would halt this program, denying your communities those benefits.
Your state’s own programs could also be at risk. Currently, your state is in the process of implementing a statewide digital equity plan. Since these plans target the same covered populations, your state's plan (and millions in associated funding) could be vulnerable if Sen. Cruz’s efforts are successful.
Many residents of your state stand to benefit from these programs (roughly 80% of people in the U.S. are considered part of a “covered population;” find your state’s percentage here). Sen. Cruz’s effort could end programs designed to help them.

Cruz Threatens to Halt BEAD Infrastructure Deployment

On November 21, Sen. Cruz sent an additional letter to NTIA asking the agency to pause the $42.45 billion BEAD infrastructure program. As a reminder, BEAD is designed to build affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband in areas with little to no existing internet service today.

In his letter, Sen. Cruz argues that BEAD contains “unlawful and extraneous” requirements, such as a preference for fiber-optic technology, affordable internet service, unionized workforces, and resilient infrastructure. Bipartisan policymakers had many reasons to create these requirements, but setting them aside, the fact is that these requirements are rooted in the law. As such, NTIA is legally required to implement them.

Notably, the FCC’s Brendan Carr agrees with Sen. Cruz. (While the FCC has no direct control over BEAD, it is a central agency in the broadband space.) Commissioner Carr is President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the FCC, and he is close to Elon Musk, whose company, Starlink, could benefit from a relaxation of BEAD's rules.

Why it matters to you:

Many people in your state live without adequate internet service. Fortunately, your state is receiving hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars to rectify this. Internet service is increasingly necessary for modern life, and, thanks to BEAD, your state has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure everyone has access to it.
After years of preparation, your state is just now beginning to implement its BEAD program. If Sen. Cruz changes BEAD rules now, those years of work could be undone, delaying or even preventing connectivity for millions.

What Can You Do?

To be clear, Sen. Cruz’s proposals are only that—proposals. The Biden Administration has shown no signs of changing course, and the incoming Trump Administration has not committed to any particular actions. All we can do at this point is be prepared. To that end, here is what we suggest:

Join Advocacy Efforts: The most impactful thing we can do is to highlight how policymakers’ constituents benefit from digital inclusion. If you’re interested in helping, please indicate so on this form. We plan to send letters, meet with key policymakers, and provide advocacy training and guidance. (All are encouraged to join; don’t worry if you’re not an expert!)
Invite Elected Officials To See Your Work: If you receive a digital equity grant from NTIA, a state, or otherwise, let your elected officials know and invite them to celebrate. Host an award announcement, tour your facilities, and/or introduce your staff and clientele. Such in-person meetings can make lasting impressions and showcase the value of these programs.
Call And Write Congress: Contact your Congressional delegation and tell them about your digital inclusion work and why the Digital Equity Act and BEAD are critical. If possible, ask others to join you. If you’d like help, let us know.
Join Or Form Coalitions: If you’d like to find and/or start a coalition, reach out and we will help. Also, to search for coalitions in your area, join the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and ask their listserv or staff.

We’d like to close with a quote from our friend and colleague, Janie Dunning, leader of Missouri’s Show Me Broadband coalition:

As a federal employee of 49 years, I have experienced more than a dozen presidential transitions. Some were to the same party, others to a different party, but one thing remained consistent—there were always policy changes. It is our job as broadband advocates to evaluate these changes and speak up in support or opposition, depending on how they would impact our mission. Expect to hear all types of proposals, and prepare to voice your opinion on them.

Let's make ourselves heard!

Drew Garner is the Director of Policy Engagement at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Amy Huffman is the Policy Director at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.

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Kevin Taglang
Executive Editor, Communications-related Headlines
Benton Institute
for Broadband & Society
1041 Ridge Rd, Unit 214
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-220-4531
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