Breaking Down B.E.A.D.: Rural America Gets New Tool to Track Broadband Expansion

Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide.

NEW JERSEY (RFD-TV) — Rural communities now have a new way to track progress on broadband expansion. Connected Nation has launched an interactive dashboard that enables residents to view how their states plan to utilize federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding.

Colin Reilly with Connected Nation joined RFD-TV News on Thursday’s Market Day Report to explain how the tool works and why it’s an important step in bridging the digital divide. Reilly highlighted a recent Connected Nation report showing that nearly one-third of rural households are considered “internet insecure” — lacking reliable or affordable high-speed internet at home.

The new BEAD tracker breaks down how each state intends to use its allocated federal dollars to improve broadband access, providing a transparent view of funding plans and progress. According to Reilly, the goal is to help ensure rural Americans have the same opportunities for connectivity as their urban counterparts.

Related Stories
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage Two will disburse around $16 billion, approved by Congress last year. Sign-ups begin Monday, and producers have until April to return applications.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer explains the USDA’s Stage Two Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, including application details, deadlines, and guidance for rural producers.
Jerry Cosgrove with American Farmland Trust explains why farmers and ranchers should start their estate planning now.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined RFD-TV to provide the latest insights on diabetes and rural health.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.
The report shows that, despite production challenges, dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer resources per gallon across the industry.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.