H.R. 1870 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Mar 5, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands broadband technologies eligible for federal funding
The BEAD Program gives federal money to states and territories to build out broadband internet access. This bill changes which technologies can get that funding, allowing satellite, fixed wireless, and fiber projects to compete equally if they meet speed and reliability standards (the old rules favored fiber). It also prevents states from controlling what broadband companies can charge customers for service, and removes certain requirements related to labor agreements, climate initiatives, and diversity programs.
How it affects you
If you live in an area getting BEAD funding, this bill could mean broadband reaches you through different technologies than originally planned, depending on what's most practical for your region. States and internet providers working on these projects will have more flexibility in how they build out service and what they charge, though the bill doesn't directly change what you pay or the speeds you get.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 5, 2025)
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 .
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1870
A BILL
SPEED for BEAD Act
Sponsor: Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC-9) · Introduced Mar 5, 2025 · Science, Technology, Communications · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 5, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.”