GAO urges FCC and NTIA to improve broadband targeting and sustainability
GAO report GAO-26-107725 recommends outreach to small providers and guidance on BEAD project monitoring, binding the FCC and NTIA
The Government Accountability Office issued report GAO-26-107725, recommending that the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration take specific actions to better target broadband funding and ensure long-term financial sustainability. The recommendations bind the FCC and NTIA and remain open pending agency response.
Since 2020, the FCC, NTIA, the Departments of Agriculture and Treasury have administered the bulk of federal broadband funding through nine programs, including the $42-billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program overseen by NTIA. As of February 2026, all nine programs had begun distributing funding, drawing on more than $50 billion appropriated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The report lists expected completion dates ranging from 2026 for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (Treasury) to 2030 and beyond for BEAD and selected high-cost subprograms.
GAO found that agencies rely on FCC mapping data to identify underserved locations, but the public challenge process for correcting data is viewed as burdensome, especially for smaller communities and providers. GAO recommends that the Chair of the FCC conduct targeted outreach to these participants to identify and address difficulties completing the bulk Broadband Data Collection challenge process.
The report also notes NTIA's October 2025 requirement that BEAD providers certify they will not accept additional federal funding for at least 10 years, intended to promote financial self-sustainability. GAO advises the NTIA Administrator to provide states and territories with clearer guidance on when and why to request additional information from BEAD subrecipients, helping monitor and support their ability to remain financially viable throughout the 10-year federal interest period.
Both recommendations are listed as open, and GAO will update the status when agency actions are confirmed.
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