Broadband Updates

President Biden Recognizes CWA During White House Event Announcing Billions in Funding for Broadband Expansion

On June 26, President Biden announced plans for distributing more than $40 billion to states to fund the expansion of broadband internet service through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Through our Build Broadband Better campaign, CWA members have been advocating for increased access to high speed internet service. Most recently, CWA Broadband brigade members have been engaging with state and local governments to ensure their plans to utilize this funding prioritize high labor standards for broadband providers. In addition, CWA activists are educating state legislators and policy makers about the need to comply with the requirements laid out in the BEAD program, including prioritizing projects that use future-proof fiber technology.

During the event, President Biden acknowledged and recognized CWA, other unions, and community organizations for their continued advocacy to ensure the passage and enforcement of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other legislation intended to boost infrastructure around the country. Watch the clip from President Biden’s remarks.

Prevailing Wage in Connecticut Broadband Work

After months of hard work speaking with and sending hundreds of emails to elected officials, and making trip after trip to the Capitol in Hartford, CWA Local 1298 members helped win clarifying language in the State legislature ensuring that the broadband work funded by federal investment is covered by prevailing wage, which is our rate. Our fight to ensure that all broadband buildout using this federal investment is done with strong labor standards attached isn't over yet, but this is a big step that will help us tremendously as we move on to the next phase of this campaign.