SPEED for BEAD Act

Hozzl · 2025-04-01T08:06:47Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1870 SPEED for BEAD Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Science, Technology, Communications. Stay informed on legislative developments.

4/1/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1870

Bill 119 HR 1870 aims to make changes to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in order to enhance the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to broadband internet services for all Americans, especially those in underserved and rural areas.

The bill includes provisions to increase funding for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, which will help expand broadband infrastructure in areas that currently lack access to reliable internet services. This will help bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Americans have access to the resources and opportunities that come with high-speed internet.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program, such as streamlining the application process for funding and increasing transparency in how funds are allocated. This will help ensure that the program is able to reach as many communities as possible and make the most impact in expanding broadband access. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1870 is focused on improving broadband equity and access for all Americans, and aims to make significant strides in closing the digital divide that currently exists in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 1870

Streamlining Program Efficiency and Expanding Deployment for BEAD Act or the SPEED for BEAD Act

This bill makes certain changes to the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, including by expanding the broadband technologies that may qualify for funding and prohibiting states from regulating broadband rates in connection with the program.

(The BEAD Program is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and provides funding to eligible entities for broadband deployment, connectivity, mapping, and adoption projects. Eligible entities include U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia.)

Specifically, the bill establishes that projects using any broadband technology (e.g., satellite, fixed wireless, or fiber) may qualify for funding, provided the technology meets specified performance criteria. (Original BEAD rules established a preference for fiber projects.)

The bill also explicitly prohibits eligible entities from regulating, setting, or otherwise mandating pursuant to the BEAD Program (1) rates charged for broadband service, or (2) methodologies used to calculate such rates. The prohibition includes rate regulation carried out in conjunction with the existing requirement that subgrantees offer at least one low-cost broadband service option to certain subscribers.

Further, the bill prohibits the NTIA and eligible entities from establishing or enforcing conditions, preferences, or other requirements related to collective bargaining and labor agreements; climate change; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and other topics. The bill also modifies the purposes for which the funds may be used and the treatment of unused funds.

Finally, the bill replaces the term Equity in the program’s name with Expansion.

Read the Full Bill

Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML

Current Status of Bill HR 1870

Bill HR 1870 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 5, 2025. Bill HR 1870 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 5, 2025. Bill HR 1870's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. as of March 5, 2025