Pennsylvania’s project-specific prevailing wage system is under increased scrutiny as broadband providers, contractors, and lawmakers raise concerns that the state’s complex wage determination process makes it harder to expand broadband efficiently in rural areas. Unlike most states that establish geographic prevailing wage rates, Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) determines wage classifications on a per-project basis—often after the project …
Evan Feinman departs BEAD program, warning of ‘deeply negative outcomes’ from favoring satellites
The $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is at a crossroads following the departure of its director, Evan Feinman. In a farewell email to staff (available below), Feinman issued a stark warning that proposed shifts in the program’s direction—moving away from fiber broadband infrastructure in favor of satellite-based alternatives—could result in “deeply negative outcomes” for rural America. …
BEAD program: $250M in admin, a goose egg in construction—Senator Cruz wants answers after 1,107 days
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee and its incoming chairman, has issued a stern warning to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding what he deems “unlawful” activities in administering the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Cruz announced plans to review and potentially revamp the program when the GOP …
CWA Unions see uneven wage hikes in AT&T agreements: West vs. Southeast which gets a BEAD perk
AT&T workers, including technicians, customer service representatives, and others who install, maintain, and support AT&T’s network, will receive wage increases of at least 15% throughout the new four-year collective bargaining agreement in the West and over 19% during the new five-year agreement in the Southeast. In the contract that covers the Southeast, Wire Technicians and Utility Operations professionals, who will …
