Consultants Urge BEAD ‘Rainy Day’ Fund To Cover Gaps
Infrastructure specialists urge administrators to reserve $7.6 billion from BEAD for unexpected shortfalls.
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2026 — Broadband consultants are urging federal officials to reserve billions from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program to address funding gaps and rising deployment costs.
The Vernonburg Group, a consulting firm aimed at shaping the digital future, said a ‘rainy day’ fund could help ensure more eligible locations receive service as states begin implementing BEAD projects.
The firm initially proposed setting aside about $6 billion from remaining BEAD funds. In an updated analysis, Vernonburg increased its recommended reserve to $7.6 billion.
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