Broadband program is under federal evaluation

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) Executive Director Gabriella Boffelli and Office of Management & Budget (OMB) Executive Director Orlando Rivera Berríos announced Thursday that the Puerto Rico Broadband Program is currently under active federal evaluation.

While reaffirming the commitment of the administration of Gov. Jenniffer González Colón to defending the resources allocated to the island, the officials emphasized that the process related to the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is now under review to ensure compliance with federal requirements and the highest standards of efficiency and transparency. Puerto Rico is working closely with the relevant authorities to responsibly advance its proposal, they said.

“Governor Jenniffer González Colón’s administration has taken the necessary actions to ensure the responsible and effective use of these resources, aligned with the interests of the people and our vision for economic development,” Boffelli said.

In February, González Colón signed a new executive order restructuring the island’s broadband program to streamline processes, strengthen accountability, and ensure the effective use of public funds. The action repealed the previous order from 2022, which officials say had established a fragmented and dysfunctional structure.

“The governor took corrective measures to address inherited administrative deficiencies, restoring order where there had been disorganization,” Rivera Berríos said. “Under this new structure, the OGP has been entrusted with direct oversight of the program and the management of allocated funds. This is a sound decision that reflects a clear vision of strong governance and tangible results.”

As part of the restructuring, the former Advisory Council, which had failed to produce concrete progress in infrastructure deployment, was also eliminated. The new approach emphasizes efficient executive management, directed toward clear objectives with direct oversight mechanisms, the officials noted.

“We are focused on providing quality connectivity to the most disadvantaged sectors, without unnecessary bureaucracy or parallel structures,” Rivera Berríos said. “This administration’s goal is to act with seriousness, responsibility, and a sense of urgency.”