More Ideas for Use of BEAD Non-deployment Funding

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2026 – Stakeholders still have a lot of ideas on how the Commerce Department should spend roughly $21 billion in broadband funding that won’t be used on network deployment.

T-Mobile and CCA pushed for more wireless infrastructure, INCOMPAS and the Western Governors’ Association agreed on supporting AI infrastructure and workforce development, while groups including the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Information Technology and Innovation Foundation pushed for measures addressing broadband affordability and adoption.

Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration held listening sessions last month on how it should allow states to use their leftover allocations under the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. Parties have continued submitting written comments on the issue.

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