Three years ago, the federal government pledged over $42.45 billion to connect rural Americans to high-speed internet. Today, there are many questions about funding awards and timing for this program.
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is one of the largest broadband infrastructure initiatives of the decade. It’s meant to solve a long-standing issue: tens of millions of Americans, especially in rural areas, don’t have access to reliable, fast internet. That limits education, healthcare, business, and economic development.
So where do things stand, and what should businesses in telecom, construction, and utility services know right now?
What Is the BEAD Program?
BEAD is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021. It sets aside $42.45 billion to help states and territories expand broadband coverage to unserved and underserved areas.
The funding is distributed to all 50 states and several territories, which are responsible for creating and implementing plans to deploy broadband, primarily through physical infrastructure such as fiber optic cables. These investments are designed to enhance the nation’s broadband infrastructure for long-term reliability.
The Problem It’s Trying to Solve
The digital divide is real. Many rural and tribal communities still rely on outdated, slow, or no internet service. BEAD defines:
- Unserved areas are those with less than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds.
- Underserved areas are those with less than 100 Mbps down / 20 Mbps up.
Fiber is the preferred solution due to its reliability, speed, and future-proofing. That means digging, trenching, pole installations, and other activities that require heavy equipment and experienced crews to expand broadband infrastructure where it’s needed most.
How BEAD Is Meant to Work
The BEAD rollout was designed in stages:
- States receive planning grants.
- Each submits a “Five-Year Action Plan” and “Initial Proposal.”
- After federal approval, states begin selecting and funding broadband projects.
- ISPs, contractors, and utility companies implement the build-outs.
In theory, it’s a clean process. In practice, it’s moving slowly.
Where Things Stand Now
As of early 2025, all eligible states and territories have submitted and had their initial broadband plans approved. This means that all 56 entities can now request access to their allocated BEAD funding and begin the process of reviewing and selecting service providers to build out or upgrade their high-speed networks. At least 38 states have begun or completed the process of accepting applications for BEAD funding, including four states that have already selected awardees. That’s the good news.
The problem? Not a single home has been connected under BEAD-funded projects.
Delays have been caused by:
- Complex federal reviews
- Data disputes about coverage maps
- Planning bottlenecks at the state level
- Waiting on NTIA nominee, Arielle Roth, confirmation
It’s a massive effort with many moving parts—but the clock is ticking.
Why This Matters to Custom Truck One Source Customers
For companies involved in broadband deployment, such as telecom contractors, electric cooperatives, and construction firms, BEAD represents a significant opportunity. And for Custom Truck customers, it directly ties into the work they do every day.
Here’s how:
- Equipment Demand Will Rise: BEAD-funded projects require aerial and underground equipment, such as bucket trucks, cable reel loaders, pole trailers, and more.
- Rural Focus Is a Fit: Many CTOS customers already operate in the rural and remote regions that BEAD targets. That puts them in a strong position to bid on and win work.
- Planning Around Delays: While the funds are available, the timelines remain uncertain. Businesses need to plan their fleets and staffing accordingly and be ready to scale up when projects are finally greenlit.
- Strategic Positioning: CTOS has built a strong portfolio aligned with broadband expansion providers. Customers that are equipped for fiber deployment will be ready when demand spikes.
In short: the work is still on track and BEAD funding is alive and moving forward. It’s just a matter of when the funding will be accessible.
What Could Get in the Way
A program this size isn’t without challenges:
- Coordination between federal and state agencies takes time.
- Overlaps with private ISP initiatives can confuse.
- There’s a risk of underperforming vendors or rushed deployments.
- NTIA is changing rules to shift money in other directions.
- Canceling the program altogether.
The goal isn’t just to build fast—it’s to make right. That means quality broadband infrastructure that lasts.
What Needs to Happen
For BEAD to succeed, several things need to fall into place:
- States must streamline the approval and contracting process.
- The current administration must continue to push forward without disruptions.
- Project implementers need clear standards and timelines.
- Infrastructure must remain the priority—fast, reliable, and affordable service is the target, not just coverage.
Why It Matters
Broadband isn’t just about streaming or surfing the web. It’s about:
- Equal access to education and healthcare
- Remote work and small business growth
- Attracting new industries to underserved areas
- Creating robust networks to handle the increasing data transfers
The internet is as essential as electricity. The BEAD program is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the digital divide for good.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt the ambition behind BEAD is massive—and necessary. But execution matters.
For Custom Truck customers and infrastructure pros across the country, the time to prepare is now. When the projects start rolling out—and they will—those ready to build will be in high demand.
Whether you’re laying fiber or lifting poles, this program could shape your workload for years to come.