CWA Condemns NTIA Changes to BEAD Funding Policies

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union released the following statement in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) policy change to the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program:

Today, the NTIA has put the interests of a few billionaires and satellite companies ahead of millions of Americans in rural communities and thousands of workers. Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s attack on approved broadband projects undermines the bipartisan work of the U.S. Congress and the state governments that have invested significant resources in carefully developing programs to bring high-quality broadband and good jobs that meet the needs of their unique communities. 

CWA members know that fiber is the best broadband technology of today and tomorrow. A high quality fiber network is the financially responsible choice compared to expensive and unreliable satellite service or fixed wireless. The NTIA’s policy change confuses upfront costs with long-term value.

In well-considered plans, state broadband boards have addressed the need to develop the workforce to build and maintain network infrastructure, supported by labor standards and training. The NTIA’s elimination of requirements for fair labor practices and workforce development plans will hinder states’ ability to appropriately manage local workforce needs, or to create the good jobs that would have attracted and retained a well-trained workforce.

The bipartisan infrastructure bill made a commitment to rural communities to close the digital divide with high-quality networks and good jobs. Secretary Lutnick has betrayed this promise, and undermined the work and hopes of so many rural residents, workers, and state governments.

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