Nebraska BEAD: A Case Study in Missed Opportunity

When Broadband Strategy Falters

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was designed as a once-in-a-generation opportunity — $42.45 billion to close the digital divide and modernize U.S. connectivity. For many states, it’s a catalyst for rural transformation. But Nebraska’s latest BEAD proposal may serve as a cautionary tale of how opportunity can be lost through mismanagement and short-term thinking.

Released on September 3, the Nebraska Broadband Office (NBO) draft plan details how the state will allocate $405 million in federal broadband funding. Instead of fully investing in future-proof infrastructure, Nebraska’s plan uses barely $43 million and connects fewer than 1,300 new fiber locations — while leaving over $350 million on the table.

This decision undermines both local communities and the national effort to ensure every American has access to high-speed, low-latency internet.

Fiber as the Foundation for Economic Growth

Across the U.S., fiber broadband is recognized as the foundation for modern commerce, education, healthcare, and public safety. Unlike wireless or satellite technologies, fiber supports multi-gigabit capacity, low latency, and durability that can sustain decades of digital growth.

Yet Nebraska’s BEAD plan emphasizes fixed wireless and satellite connections, effectively relegating thousands of rural Nebraskans to slower, less reliable networks. While these technologies have a role in remote or temporary settings, they are not substitutes for permanent infrastructure.

The state’s approach raises a national concern: are federal broadband dollars being used to build lasting capacity, or just temporary coverage numbers?

The Data Problem: When “Served” Isn’t Really Served

Accurate broadband mapping remains a core challenge for BEAD administration. Nebraska began with nearly 30,000 eligible unserved locations, but after accepting unverified coverage claims from unlicensed providers — with no public evidence or data maps — over 7,500 addresses were reclassified as “served.”

With a 52% reduction in eligible sites, Nebraska’s plan now excludes many of the very households BEAD was intended to reach.

If replicated elsewhere, this kind of data inflation could significantly distort the federal picture of broadband equity, resulting in underinvestment in rural America.

Misallocated Investments: Satellites Over Schools

Among the plan’s remaining allocations, several stand out for the wrong reasons.

• Over 700 schools, libraries, and emergency facilities were identified as eligible for BEAD funding. Only 54 were approved for fiber connections.
• Meanwhile, $2.3 million is earmarked for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, a satellite service still in its testing phase, and another $2.5 million goes to SpaceX’s Starlink, which already operates in Nebraska.

These decisions highlight a misalignment between infrastructure priorities and technological readiness, suggesting a desire to check boxes rather than build long-term resilience.

A National Pattern Emerging

Nebraska’s missteps come as several neighboring states demonstrate how BEAD can be effectively deployed:

• Iowa and Kansas have both prioritized fiber for roughly half their eligible locations.
• Montana and Wyoming, with more challenging topography, have managed two to three times Nebraska’s fiber reach.
• North Dakota, a national leader, plans to deliver over 90% fiber coverage through BEAD funds.

This divergence reveals a critical issue: broadband success depends more on state leadership than geography. The BEAD framework allows flexibility — but with that flexibility comes responsibility to prioritize durable, equitable outcomes.

Accountability and the Path to Progress

Nebraska’s approach may not just impact one state; it risks setting a precedent for others to follow suit. Transparency in funding decisions, verifiable coverage data, and accountability for performance are essential for BEAD’s success nationwide.

For states still finalizing their BEAD proposals, Nebraska’s plan should serve as a wake-up call: underutilizing funds or settling for temporary fixes undermines both federal intent and public trust.

The digital divide is not merely a matter of connection — it’s a question of economic competitiveness, workforce development, and community resilience. Each misstep delays progress toward universal access and digital parity.

Key Takeaway

BEAD represents one of the largest public investments in U.S. infrastructure since the interstate highway system. How states choose to use — or waste — their allocations will shape the nation’s digital future. Nebraska’s experience underscores why strategy, transparency, and long-term vision matter just as much as funding.