Commerce Sets New Rules for $43 Billion Broadband Plan

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick released new guidance aimed at reshaping a massive internet infrastructure program to connect the entire country with broadband service, ordering states to rework their initial coverage plans to deliver service at the lowest-possible price.

According to the policy notice published Friday, states must tweak the process through which they choose potential infrastructure partners “to lower costs, speed up implementation, and ensure all technology solutions are considered,” according to the agency. States and territories will have 90 days to comply with the new guidance, including allowing new applicants to indicate they want to participate in a ...