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Senators urge using broadband deployment funds to bolster cybersecurity for rural providers
Summary
Committee members discussed BEAD allocations and other federal funds as levers to improve cybersecurity in small and rural broadband operations, recommending targeted funding, workforce development, and procurement standards to raise baseline hygiene and resilience.
Senators at the Commerce hearing urged that broadband deployment funding programs be used to strengthen cybersecurity at small and rural providers that lack resources to implement basic protections.
Senator Capito highlighted recent BEAD activity in West Virginia, noting testimony that an original allocation cited in the hearing had been reduced from $1.2 billion to $600 million after rebidding. Senators and witnesses recommended preserving as much deployment funding as possible while carving out resources for cybersecurity, training, and retirements of legacy equipment.
Robert Mayer told the panel that targeted funding with "full accountability" could support workforce development and support retiring vulnerable end-of-life equipment. He recommended using non-deployment funds where appropriate to help smaller providers meet minimum hygiene standards and suggested federal procurement floors and independent security audits for vendors that contract with the government.
Committee members did not vote on funding changes at the hearing. Witnesses asked Congress to consider incentives and procurement levers that would make investment in security economically viable for smaller operators.
