Non-Deployment Funds Unlikely to be Clawed Back, Experts Say
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth has said she would support permitting reform as one potential use for the funds.
NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth has said she would support permitting reform as one potential use for the funds.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2026 – Nearly half of the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program’s funding won’t be used for broadband deployment projects, partly a result of new Trump administration rules aimed at cost cutting.
When those new rules were instituted in June, the National telecommunication and Information Administration rescinded approval for any non-deployment activities, something state broadband offices had been planning on pursuing.
Fiber Broadband Association CEO Gary Bolton and Pew Charitable Trusts' Broadband Access Initiative Director Kathryn de Wit said they’re optimistic that states will ultimately see their non-deployment money, even if it’s not yet clear exactly how they’ll be able to use it.
Two of the three dominant global mobile equipment vendors are European, the partnership's governing board chair said.
The satellite TV operator says Nexstar withheld from FCC certain economic studies it provided the Justice Department. Nexstar had no comment
Supporters said electing commissioners would give residents more influence over electricity rates and energy policy.
ACLP said some ISPs may have more than they could handle in broadband deployment.
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