State Broadband Leaders Summit
NTIA held its semiannual State Broadband Leaders Network Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 10-12. This summit provides State broadband offices with updated training and technical assistance to ensure grantees and subgrantees remain compliant with BEAD program requirements. During this summit, attendees heard from NTIA staff members, staff members from other federal agencies, and industry leaders about how to most effectively implement BEAD. Topics included subgrantee agreements and monitoring best practices, permitting and environmental reviews, and performance measures. It was anticipated that NTIA would release updated guidance for the use of non-deployment funds during the summit; that guidance has been postponed. UBC will monitor all updated guidance provided by NTIA regarding non-deployment funds as it is released.
URTA/Tri-State Conference
Incoming URTA President Brad Welch and UBC Program Manager Claire Shiverdecker
The Utah Rural Telecom Association combined its annual meeting with the Tri-State Telecommunications Conference this year. The meeting, which was held from March 9-11 in Ivins, Utah, provided rural telecommunications providers from Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming the opportunity to convene and learn about pressing issues relevant to the telecommunications industry. Utah Broadband Center Program Manager Claire Shiverdecker attended the conference and spoke on a state broadband office panel with Idaho Broadband Director Ramon Hobdey-Sanchez about the next steps for BEAD. Panelists encouraged subgrantees to keep communicating with state broadband offices as projects move toward deployment. Permitting, supply chain, and workforce challenges may arise, but the state broadband offices remain optimistic that strong partnerships and collaboration will lead to successful BEAD deployments.
BEAD Non-Deployment Funds
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) hosted three listening sessions between February 10-18, 2026 to collect input on how to best allocate the $21 billion BEAD non-deployment funds saved during the BEAD Benefit of the Bargain subgrantee selection process. Of the total 2,600 virtual attendees, approximately 130 provided feedback in timed 2-3 minute statements to Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth and NTIA leadership about how such funds could be used to support the goals of the BEAD program.
The most frequently cited themes were:
- Broadband adoption
- Workforce development
- State/regional flexibility
- Multi-Dwelling Unit infrastructure
- Emergency infrastructure
NTIA has not yet released official guidance on what non-deployment funds may be used for or how such funds may be distributed by States. UBC will provide additional information as guidance is received.
Provider Spotlight: FirstNet
FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed wireless broadband network dedicated to first responders. Built through a public-private partnership between the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T, it leverages AT&T’s infrastructure to provide public safety with a “fast lane” of connectivity, ensuring their communications remain active even when commercial networks are congested.
KSL TV recently highlighted the impact of FirstNet in rural Utah, specifically at Gunlock Falls State Park in Washington County. Gunlock Falls is a popular tourist destination and presents unique geographical challenges for first responders. In a recent interview with KSL TV, Northwest Fire and Rescue demonstrated how FirstNet’s dedicated network is bridging the communication gap in areas where traditional cellular coverage is sometimes out of reach.
Financial Insight
The Utah Broadband Center is making significant strides in connecting our communities through the Broadband Access Grant, a key initiative fueled by the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund (ARPA CPF). We are thrilled to share that five providers have already crossed the finish line, successfully completing their infrastructure builds and receiving over $9 million in federal funding to support those efforts.
The momentum doesn’t stop there: two additional providers are currently in the thick of their projects and are on track to receive up to $5.4 million as they finish their deployment projects by the end of 2026. This funding is a vital investment in the households and businesses that power Utah’s economy, ensuring that high-speed, reliable internet is a reality for everyone in the state.
Upcoming Events
Broadband Alliance Meeting: May 20, 2026
Connecting Utah Call: June 17, 2026