SUCCESS for BEAD Act

Summary#

This bill changes how leftover funds from the BEAD program (a broadband grant program created in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) may be used. It requires eligible entities that have leftover BEAD allocations to create a competitive subgrant program to fund certain broadband- and public-safety-related projects. The bill adds new definitions (for example, 9-1-1 request, artificial intelligence, internet exchange point, and Next Generation 9-1-1) and lists eligible project types such as wholesale lit or dark fiber, conduit, carrier-neutral internet exchange points, submarine cables and landing stations, mobile wireless infrastructure, workforce training programs linked to broadband deployment, Next Generation 9-1-1 planning and implementation, mapping and planning, and permitting improvements. It bars using these subgrants to build data centers whose primary purpose is processing and storing digital information.

The bill requires eligible entities to prioritize projects that serve unserved or underserved areas (including Tribal lands), are critical for public safety, national security, or economic development, support workforce creation for telecom, cybersecurity, AI, and electrical sectors, connect to Federal facilities or military installations, advance cybersecurity or AI-supportive network use, and improve backbone capacity and resiliency. Subgrants may cover up to 24 months of operations and maintenance (no more than 15 percent of a subgrant). Most subgrants must include a 25 percent match from the subgrantee, though eligible entities may reduce or waive this match. The bill establishes a public challenge process for proposed wholesale fiber projects to guard against unjustified overbuilding and requires public notice and timely determinations. It also directs the Assistant Secretary to issue guidance within 30 days, coordinate on workforce guidance with the Secretary of Labor, and oversee Next Generation 9-1-1 coordination and approvals. Finally, it prevents revising a specific Build America, Buy America waiver that had been issued for the BEAD program.

What it means for you#

• If you are a state, territory, Tribal government, or other eligible entity with BEAD allocations: you must use any remaining BEAD amounts after your final BEAD proposal is approved to run a competitive subgrant program (with a limited exception for workforce boards). You will need to follow new priorities, matching rules, the fiber challenge process, and to get guidance from the Assistant Secretary.
• If you are a local government, public safety agency, school, or community group: you may be able to apply for subgrants for projects like fiber, IXPs, improved wireless coverage (including on educational facilities), Next Generation 9-1-1 upgrades, or workforce programs.
• If you are a broadband provider or project developer: proposed wholesale fiber projects will be subject to a public 14-day notice and challenge window and a 30-day decision period on challenges. Subgrants generally require a 25 percent match unless waived.
• If you are an emergency communications center: the bill defines requirements for coordination, interoperability, cybersecurity, and use of commonly accepted standards for Next Generation 9-1-1 work.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s findings and text say using leftover BEAD funds for targeted infrastructure, workforce development, and Next Generation 9-1-1 work will strengthen U.S. telecommunications, support AI deployment, improve public safety and national security, and help the United States remain competitive with other countries investing in AI and networks.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.