California is accepting $1.42 billion in federal broadband grants from the Trump administration while refusing to drop enforcement of its net neutrality law and other telecom regulations. The state argues that the Trump admin's condition violates its constitutional rights, setting up potential legal battles between California, the federal government, and ISPs seeking BEAD program funds.
Background
The Biden-era BEAD program allocated $42 billion nationwide for broadband deployment, with conditions requiring states to forgo net neutrality and rate regulation on participating ISPs. California's $1.42 billion allocation makes it one of the larger recipients of these federal broadband funds.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Nov 4, 2026 at 06:39 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10