Comments to the NTIA on the Use of BEAD Funds Leftover after Broadband Deployment

OTI submits comments to NTIA regarding how the agency should allocate the approximately $21 billion in funding that will be available after the broadband deployment under the BEAD program is complete. While NTIA is seeking guidance on the use of these funds, OTI emphasizes that the primary focus should be on ensuring that the money already committed to broadband deployment actually benefits the American people, rather than being wasted on constructing unused networks. Since states have a better understanding of the adoption gaps that keep many Americans offline, the NTIA should allow them to spend the funding as they deem appropriate, as directed by Congress.