BEAD 2026
Experts Say $21 Billion Remaining BEAD Funds at Risk of Going Unused
Industry leaders push for faster distribution to avoid defaults, delays, and efforts to close the digital divide
BEAD
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is a $42.45 billion initiative administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department. Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, BEAD aims to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.
BEAD
Fiber Suppliers Say They Can Meet BEAD and AI Demand
Corning, Prysmian, and others said they made commitments to NTIA in February.
NTIA
Free State Foundation Head Supports Looking at BEAD Savings to Address Mobile Dead Zones
The proposal would direct up to $8 billion to expand rural 5G coverage.
NTIA
States Push to Redirect BEAD Excess Funds Toward Public Safety Gaps
Panelists also discussed their largest broadband deployment obstacles.
BEAD 2026
What to Expect at the BEAD Implementation Summit 2026
Wednesday's BEAD Implementation Summit builds upon prior events in 2025 and late 2023.
BEAD
Some BEAD Winners Seeing Tight Fiber Market
ISPs have reported canceled or delayed orders.
NTIA
O’Rielly Wants Lutnick to Help Kill USDA’s Broadband Programs
The former Republican FCC Commissioner sees USDA programs as wasteful and unnecessary
Expert Opinion
Mary Guenther: BEAD Non-Deployment Dollars and the Risk of Unfulfilled Broadband Promises
The BEAD broadband program now has roughly $20 billion in leftover funds, and policymakers are debating how best to spend it
broadband
Federal Officials Reject D.C. Broadband Funding Request
Site inspections found the proposed locations were already served or not valid broadband sites.
Alaska
Sens. Murkowski, Sullivan Celebrate Alaska’s BEAD Approval
Funds are expected to bring high-speed internet to more than 46,000 homes and small businesses across the state.
Spectrum
Roth: NTIA Wants ‘Outcome-Driven’ Non-Deployment Spending
House Democrats want a briefing 'immediately' on the issue.
Expert Opinion
Lance West: Delivering on BEAD’s Promise to Connect America
Comcast is an awardee in the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program across 34 states
BEAD
NTIA Needs More Time to Issue Guidance on Non-Deployment Funding, State AI Laws
Agency guidance on the issue was expected March 11.
BEAD
More Ideas for Use of BEAD Non-deployment Funding
NTIA has been taking input on how to allow states to spend the roughly $21 billion in remaining program funds.
People
Thomas Tyler Leaving Louisiana Broadband Office
He served as the agency’s deputy director since 2021.
Telecom Act
Rep. McClellan Hopes to Modernize 1996 Telecom Act Despite Lack of Congressional Support
House Democrat emphasized need to create more AI regulation and the importance of federal investment in broadband.
