The adoption of digital workforce skills is more crucial than ever, panelists said at the Speeding BEAD Summit. But recent changes to the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program may eliminate funding for elements designed to support digital equity, affordability, and workforce training. Under the June 6 Restructuring Policy Notice, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration removed language that had allowed states to spend remaining BEAD funds on non-deployment activities after building out broadband infrastructure to all homes and businesses in need. The agency promised further guidance on non-infrastructure-related spending, but advocates remain concerned, saying the situation has been compounded by the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Trump administration’s repeal of the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act. “Ninety-two percent of jobs across industries and occupations require digital skills,” Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, senior fellow at the National Skills Coalition, said during the panel. “This is not an option. Everyone in the economy need[s] digital skills.” 

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