NTIA Needs More Time to Issue Guidance on Non-Deployment Funding, State AI Laws

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2026 – Federal guidance on how states can spend $21 billion in broadband funding, and on which states are potentially ineligible to use their slice of the money, has been delayed.

The head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said Friday the agency’s guidance on the issue, expected March 11, was being pushed back so the agency could review the large volume of input and hear again from state broadband officials at a gathering in Washington, D.C. next week.  

“While our guidance was expected by next week, we are taking additional time to review the comments and finalize our approach to ensure these funds are spent as efficiently and responsibly as possible,” NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said in a statement. “American taxpayers work hard for their money and deserve nothing less from this Administration.”