Pew Applauds Legislation Requiring Broadband Deployment Progress Reporting

WASHINGTON —The Pew Charitable Trusts today commended the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for advancing the Accelerating Broadband Permits Act, legislation that would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to publicly report on progress made by states and territories implementing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Specifically, the bill would codify publication of the program’s semi-annual reports (SARs), which are already required to be collected by statute. It would also direct NTIA to feature key program updates on a public dashboard tracking progress toward major program milestones.

Information in the SARs—which includes federal and private funds expended, jobs created, construction status of individual projects, and the speed and technology delivered to newly connected locations, among other things—is essential to understanding BEAD progress and providing program oversight.

Improve Federal Policy Better Federal Data Collection Is Key to Broadband Deployment

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Pew’s broadband access initiative has researched the effects of incomplete data collection on federal broadband policy. Its findings show that gaps in program information have historically made it difficult for lawmakers, researchers, and the public to evaluate outcomes of previous broadband programs and to position future efforts for success. Today's decision to advance this vital legislation is a step toward delivering on transparency and ensuring that researchers and policymakers have the information they need to continually assess the program and quickly address emerging barriers.

Kathryn de Wit, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ broadband access initiative, said:

“Good government starts with good data. By requiring NTIA to publish BEAD program data, the Accelerating Broadband Permits Act provides policymakers and taxpayers with visibility into how this historic investment is being spent and whether it’s delivering on its promises.

“Notably, the bill requires that NTIA publish the rich data it receives from states through the semi-annual report process within 90 days. This transparency will allow Congress and others to gain timely insight into the program’s progress and impact—from where dollars are being spent, to the status of construction projects, and when households are connected—and will strengthen lawmakers’ ability to ensure that BEAD can meet its four-year construction deadlines and deliver on the ambitious goal of universal service.  

“We thank Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) for recognizing that transparency and accountability will help make BEAD a success and finally deliver reliable, affordable internet to all. We encourage lawmakers to swiftly pass this bill.”