Evan Feinman, the former director of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, has departed his role amid concerns over a potential policy shift that could replace high-speed fiber connections with slower, more expensive satellite internet services.
Feinman’s exit, reported by ProPublica’s Craig Silverman, comes as the new administration prepares to overhaul the program.
In an email to staffers—screenshotted and shared on Bluesky—Feinman warned that proposed changes aimed at a “tech-neutral stance” might reduce the number of American homes and businesses benefiting from fiber connections while increasing reliance on satellite technology. “The new administration seems to want to make changes that ignore the clear direction laid out by Congress, reduce the number of American homes and businesses that get fiber connections, and increase the number that get satellite connections. The degree of that shift remains unknown, but regardless of size, it will be a disservice to rural and small-town America. Stranding all or part of rural America with worse internet so that we can make the world’s richest man even richer is yet another in a long line of betrayals by Washington,” Feinman wrote.
The BEAD Program, established in 2021, was designed to expand high-speed internet access to underserved rural areas. However, the program has recently come under scrutiny. Howard Lutnick, the new Secretary of Commerce, criticized the previous administration’s handling of the program, arguing that it “has not connected a single person to the internet.” Lutnick has advocated for a “tech-neutral stance” and signaled a potential pivot away from a strong preference for fiber connections. His approach, which includes rolling out satellite options such as those offered by Elon Musk’s Starlink, has raised concerns among critics who fear that such a shift will deliver slower speeds at higher costs to consumers.
Feinman urged colleagues to advocate for the removal of “needless requirements” but cautioned strongly against moving away from fiber. His departure and warning highlight growing tensions over how best to modernize America’s rural broadband infrastructure without compromising performance for cost.
As the Commerce Department moves forward with its planned overhaul, the debate over the optimal mix of broadband technologies remains a key issue for policymakers, rural communities, and industry stakeholders alike.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Meta and the Internet Society have launched the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, a new project aimed at expanding affordable internet connections worldwide.
Australia's competition watchdog said there was a need to revisit efforts to ensure greater choice for internet users, citing Google's dominant search engine market share and its competitors' failure to capitalise on the artificial intelligence boom.
Google and Facebook-owner Meta Platforms urged the Australian government on Tuesday to delay a bill that will ban most forms of social media for children under 16, saying more time was needed to assess its potential impact.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters in London that Kyiv is ready to negotiate peace, but only after Russia agrees to an immediate cease‑fire—putting the burden on President Vladimir Putin to match Ukraine’s offer and open the door to the first talks since 2019.
On May 13, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler in Baku, where both sides praised bilateral military cooperation and Türkiye’s recent success in combating terrorism.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a joint call with top European and Ukrainian diplomats to discuss steps toward a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine, according to the State Department.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has determined that Russia violated international air law in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
The Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum kicks off Tuesday in Riyadh, featuring the participation of the U.S. President, alongside CEOs and key government leaders.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters in London that Kyiv is ready to negotiate peace, but only after Russia agrees to an immediate cease‑fire—putting the burden on President Vladimir Putin to match Ukraine’s offer and open the door to the first talks since 2019.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a joint call with top European and Ukrainian diplomats to discuss steps toward a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine, according to the State Department.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has determined that Russia violated international air law in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
The Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum kicks off Tuesday in Riyadh, featuring the participation of the U.S. President, alongside CEOs and key government leaders.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday evening to discuss ongoing efforts to establish peace between Russia and Ukraine, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters in London that Kyiv is ready to negotiate peace, but only after Russia agrees to an immediate cease‑fire—putting the burden on President Vladimir Putin to match Ukraine’s offer and open the door to the first talks since 2019.
On May 13, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler in Baku, where both sides praised bilateral military cooperation and Türkiye’s recent success in combating terrorism.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a joint call with top European and Ukrainian diplomats to discuss steps toward a ceasefire and lasting peace in Ukraine, according to the State Department.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has determined that Russia violated international air law in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
The Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum kicks off Tuesday in Riyadh, featuring the participation of the U.S. President, alongside CEOs and key government leaders.
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