UPDATED: February 16, 2026
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is gathering community and stakeholder input to inform its future planning and policy development regarding the use of the BEAD “nondeployment” funds. They’re collecting this input via:
- Two virtual listening sessions on 2/11 & 2/18 (see below on how to register for the next one)
- Written input submitted via email by 2/18 at 5pm ET
This is a great opportunity to show up and share with NTIA why keeping to the original IIJA text with eligible uses for BEAD Non-Deployment dollars, and allowing states to fund projects under the category, “broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices,” is essential to reaching the Agency’s universal connectivity goals.
Email Submission Guidelines
- Email: Input can be emailed to [email protected]. Write, “BEAD Savings Listening Session” in the subject line.
- Due Date: Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026, 5 pm ET.
- NTIA provided the following questions for you to consider in framing your remarks (TIP: we suggest you not limit yourselves to only answering these questions):
- What guidance should NTIA provide to States and Territories in the use of their BEAD Benefit of the Bargain savings?
- Are there potential uses of BEAD funds that could help accelerate the implementation of the remaining BEAD funding?
NDIA created a BEAD Non-Deployment Funds Written Input Template to help you prepare your written input.
Virtual Listening Session
What: Final virtual BEAD Non-Deployment Listening Session (The first one was on February 11, 2026)
When: Wednesday, February 18th, 2-4pm EST
How: Register here (full link here: https://ntia-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TxQ1qELeS2yiZfcCvTZ8-A#/registration)
Tips!
- Raise your hand FAST!
- Draft and practice your remarks, and keep them to 2 minutes; they will cut you off if you go over.
- These talking points and background blog post might be helpful as you prepare your remarks.