NATOA submitted comments Feb. 18th on the use of Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Funds through the two “Listening Sessions” hosted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on February 12 & 18, 2026.
In a letter to Arielle Roth, Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), we noted:
“No one supports the successful deployment of broadband networks more than our local governments. We’ve a long and productive history of facilitating wireline deployment in our streets for generations of telephone, cable, broadband and wireless facilities. We continuously advocate for fast and affordable broadband service for all of our residents while at the same time addressing their needs and protecting their interests.
We also note the unsustainability of the current Universal Service Fund (USF) funding scheme to support existing programs such as High-Cost Support, Lifeline, E-rate, and Rural Health Care.
“We urge NTIA to explore as broad a scope as possible of potential resources and avenues to ensure access to critical communications for millions of households and community institutions throughout our cities, towns and counties.
“We urge you to permit and encourage investment in broadband adoption programs, as Congress explicitly outlined in the IIJA. Supporting broadband adoption will ensure the new BEAD-funded networks can achieve the program's goal of universal access.”
NATOA reminded that four years ago, NATOA Filed Comments on NTIA Implementation of Infrastructure Act Grants: February 3, 2022, see https://www.natoa.org/news/natoa-files-comments-on-ntia-implementation-of-infrastructure-act-grants and three years ago in the NTIA's Digital Equity Act RFC, May 1, 2023 see https://www.natoa.org/news/natoa-files-comments-in-ntias-digital-equity-act-request-for-comments .
You’ll find NATOA’s Comments here.
NATOA Comments on NTIA Listening Session on BEAD Program Funds
NATOA submitted comments Feb. 18th on the use of Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Funds through the two “Listening Sessions” hosted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on February 12 & 18, 2026.
In a letter to Arielle Roth, Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), we noted:
“No one supports the successful deployment of broadband networks more than our local governments. We’ve a long and productive history of facilitating wireline deployment in our streets for generations of telephone, cable, broadband and wireless facilities. We continuously advocate for fast and affordable broadband service for all of our residents while at the same time addressing their needs and protecting their interests.
We also note the unsustainability of the current Universal Service Fund (USF) funding scheme to support existing programs such as High-Cost Support, Lifeline, E-rate, and Rural Health Care.
“We urge NTIA to explore as broad a scope as possible of potential resources and avenues to ensure access to critical communications for millions of households and community institutions throughout our cities, towns and counties.
“We urge you to permit and encourage investment in broadband adoption programs, as Congress explicitly outlined in the IIJA. Supporting broadband adoption will ensure the new BEAD-funded networks can achieve the program's goal of universal access.”
NATOA reminded that four years ago, NATOA Filed Comments on NTIA Implementation of Infrastructure Act Grants: February 3, 2022, see https://www.natoa.org/news/natoa-files-comments-on-ntia-implementation-of-infrastructure-act-grants and three years ago in the NTIA's Digital Equity Act RFC, May 1, 2023 see https://www.natoa.org/news/natoa-files-comments-in-ntias-digital-equity-act-request-for-comments .
You’ll find NATOA’s Comments here.
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