Biden Broadband Initiative Requires States to Consult with Unions on Broadband Buildout Plans

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) requirements for broadband projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, released last Friday, reflect the Biden Administration’s strong commitment to bringing reliable, high speed internet connections to every household in the United States while creating high quality union jobs in our communities.

States must consult with unions as they develop their funding proposals, and the requirements make it clear that federal dollars will not fund sub-par installations by fly-by-night companies.

“The BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) requirements effectively address many of our concerns about the failure of past programs to bring reliable, high speed broadband and good, union jobs to rural and underserved communities. Once again, the Biden Administration has made it clear that they are listening and responding to working people and holding corporations accountable for the way they use federal dollars,” said CWA President Chris Shelton.

Over the past year, CWA’s Broadband Brigade members have been sharing their first-hand experience and perspective on how legislators and administrators in their states can use the BEAD funding most effectively.

“Our motto is ‘build broadband better',” said Fernando Roman, Executive Vice President of CWA Local 7026 and member of CWA’s Broadband Brigade from Arizona. “We are eager to collaborate with states in developing plans to meet the NTIA’s requirements and achieve the Biden Administration's goal of internet for all.”

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