Fiber For Breakfast Week 1: From Approval to Action – What Comes Next for BEAD

Fiber For Breakfast Week 1: From Approval to Action – What Comes Next for BEAD 

The first Fiber for Breakfast episode of 2026 featured Gary and Kathryn de Wit, Program Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Broadband Access Initiative, for a timely discussion on what happens now that state plans are being approved—and what it will take to turn BEAD’s ambition into lasting impact.   

Kathryn opened the conversation by outlining Pew’s role as a nonpartisan research organization that works closely with states on broadband policy and implementation. Pew has been engaged in broadband issues since 2018 and operates the Broadband Education and Training Initiative (BETTI), a peer-learning network for state broadband offices. With many offices created in just the last few years, Kathryn said that shared learning has been critical. “These are small teams doing incredibly complex work,” she said. “Having a place to compare notes and learn from one another really matters.” 

With approvals now moving forward, the discussion turned to what happens after the green light. Kathryn emphasized that BEAD’s four-year construction window leaves little room for delays. Permitting, workforce availability, supply chain coordination, and interagency sequencing will all shape whether states can stay on schedule. “Everything has to line up,” she noted. “If one piece slows down, it affects the entire timeline.” 

Gary highlighted the progress already made ahead of BEAD, noting that millions of locations have been connected through a mix of private investment and earlier federal programs. Kathryn agreed BEAD remains critical, particularly because the remaining locations are often the most expensive and difficult to serve. Public funding, she noted, is still necessary to close that final gap to ensure long-term network viability.  

The discussion also addressed the role of non-deployment funding and the uncertainty surrounding its timing and use. Kathryn emphasized that these dollars could play a meaningful role in addressing permitting capacity, workforce training, digital skills, and cybersecurity—areas that directly affect whether networks succeed once they are built. “Access alone doesn’t solve the problem,” she said. “Communities need the ability to use and sustain these networks over time.” 

Gary and Kathryn also touched on NTIA guidance and federal coordination, noting that broadband policy fluency has grown significantly over the past several years. Increased awareness and accountability, they agreed, are helping keep pressure on the system to move faster and operate more effectively.  

Despite the challenges ahead, Kathryn closed on an optimistic note. With state broadband offices more experienced and construction timelines firmly coming into focus, momentum is building. States understand what’s at stake and are committed to delivering results that last well beyond the BEAD program itself. 

Click here to watch the full interview.