SPEED for BEAD Act

Improved Service Standards: The bill defines "gigabit-level broadband service" as reliable service with download speeds of at least 1,000 megabits per second (Section 2(a)).

Increased Flexibility for Subgrantees: It introduces a mechanism allowing prospective subgrantees to remove specific locations from a project area if those locations would unreasonably increase costs (Section 2(d)).

Technology Neutrality: The bill ensures that any broadband service meeting specific performance criteria is treated as reliable, regardless of the type of technology used (Section 2(f)).

Expanded Use of Funds: The legislation amends the use of funds to include telecommunications workforce development programs (Section 2(c)).

Prohibition of Labor and Social Standards: The bill prevents the use of requirements related to prevailing wages, project labor agreements, union workforces, local hiring, or diversity, equity, and inclusion (Section 2(e)).

Prohibition of Climate and Management Regulations: It prohibits requirements related to climate change or the regulation of network management practices, such as data caps (Section 2(e)).

No Rate Regulation: The bill prohibits the Assistant Secretary, eligible entities, or any other authority from regulating, setting, or mandating the rates charged for broadband service, including capping or freezing rates (Section 2(g)).