BEAD Battles, Rural Rewards & Last-Mile Land Grabs

The fiber industry's latest truth: While Washington debates broadband policy, the smartest players are quietly securing billions in rural contracts before the opportunity landscape shifts.

With BEAD program leadership changes signaling a potential pivot from fiber-first to technology-neutral approaches, the window to lock down these lucrative, multi-year builds is narrowing by the day.

Time for this week's 3-2-1! (three hot opportunities, two market shifts, and one fiber f*ck up!)

1. Texas BOOT Program Creates $69.6M Liberty County Gold Rush

Highline's recent CPF BOOT grant win in Liberty County, Texas isn't just another funding announcement—it's the blueprint for how aggressive acquisition plus grant funding creates market dominance.

Key points:

• Strategic acquisition of Liberty-based ISP (IMS) positioned Highline perfectly for the $69.6M grant

• Part of Texas's massive $700M BOOT II program connecting 93,000+ locations

• December 31, 2026 completion deadline creates immediate need for qualified contractors

Action step: Follow Highline's playbook—acquire local ISPs in states with significant unallocated funding, then leverage those relationships to secure grants for lucrative build contracts.

Learn more about Texas's BOOT Program opportunities → 

2. Conexon Connect's Rapid Rural Empire Shows Co-op Power

Conexon Connect just launched its tenth fiber network in under four years, proving that electric co-op partnerships are the fastest route to rural fiber dominance.

Key points:

• Built out a complete 9,000-member fiber network for Sac Osage Electric Cooperative in under three years

• Leveraged RDOF funding to reduce capital requirements while maintaining ownership

• Strategy has resulted in ten successful networks across multiple states since 2021

Action step: Identify electric cooperatives with strong balance sheets but no fiber expertise—they need your knowledge, you need their customer base and right-of-way access.

Learn more about Conexon Connect's electric co-op strategy →

3. BEAD's Fiber-First States Are Creating Contractor Goldmines

While federal policy evolves, states like Illinois and Virginia are doubling down on fiber-first BEAD implementation, creating immediate opportunities for contractors ready to break ground.

Key points:

• Illinois received 238 applications with 66% proposing end-to-end fiber builds

• Virginia reports 91% of applications are for fiber-to-the-home projects

• State broadband offices are pushing to approve projects quickly as federal guidance evolves

Action step: Target your sales efforts on ISPs that have already submitted BEAD applications in fiber-friendly states—they need construction partners immediately once approvals come through.

Learn more about states pushing fiber-first BEAD applications →

1. Leadership Change Signals Broadband Strategy Shift

The departure of BEAD Director Evan Feinman signals a potential redirection of the $42.45 billion program. Commerce Secretary Lutnick has announced a "rigorous review" that could rebalance funding between fiber and satellite technologies.

Why it matters: This policy evolution could dramatically reshape rural deployment economics. Companies positioned to deploy hybrid solutions combining fiber backhaul with alternative last-mile technologies will be better hedged against changing funding priorities.

2. Satellite's Growing Grip on Rural Markets

Starlink isn't just growing—it's dominating unserved areas. With over 3 million subscribers and 6,000+ satellites, Musk's constellation is capturing markets before fiber operators even finish permitting. Every month of fiber deployment delays hands Starlink thousands of subscribers who won't switch back.

Why it matters: The rural market is rapidly splitting into two territories—areas where fiber economics work and regions where satellite will rule unchallenged. Companies without a clear "fiber-first, satellite-alternative" strategy will be squeezed from both directions.

When budget cuts and bad planning collide…

What's New With Us?

We're hitting the road with the Broadband Mystery Tour, and our first stop is Philly!

This isn’t your typical event — it’s a hands-on, problem-solving experience where industry leaders tackle real-world connectivity challenges. No panels. No pitches. Just solutions.

If you're a community leader, ISP pro, or network engineer, this is where you’ll want to be — and we’d love to see you there. Seats are limited, so grab yours here: https://broadband.bonfireig.com/broadband-mystery-tour

And in other exciting news...

Last week's Connected America event was one for the books—and we're still buzzing from it. The highlight? Winning the Startup Pitch Competition!

It's incredible to see events like this giving innovators a platform to shine, and we're proud to have been recognized among such fierce competition. Huge thanks to the organizers for spotlighting some of the brightest ideas—and to everyone who believed in what we're building.

This win isn't just ours—it's a win for smarter, faster fiber deployment. Onward!

The coming broadband policy evolution will reshape rural connectivity for years. The winners won't be those married to a single technology approach, but the operators who adapt fastest to changing market conditions while maintaining relentless focus on execution quality.

Stay sharp,
Tim