Would Trump Put BEAD on Hold? Unlikely, Experts Say

The agency has approved state plans including those low-cost prices, but Jonathan Cannon, policy counsel at R Street Institute said it’s not unthinkable a Republican or even Democratic NTIA might issue a waiver on the rule. The agency has walked back some BEAD policies after sufficient industry pushback, including including rules regarding the letter of credit requirement for financing and “Buy America” manufacturing requirements.

“We don’t want price controls, but we want to incentivize providers to offer a low-cost plan to eligible consumers,” Cannon said. “I think there’s a huge opportunity there to figure out creative solutions.”