David Johnson
How Much Funding is Needed to Connect All Remaining BEAD Unserved and Underserved Locations?
In anticipation of the upcoming true-up round of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, Vernonburg Group takes this opportunity to update our “rainy-day fund” cost estimate. In February 2026, we estimated that a rainy-day funding round may require as much as $7.6 billion of additional BEAD funding to connect all remaining unserved and underserved locations.
Achieving Internet for All: Socioeconomics and Fixed Broadband in the United States
High-speed Internet access is now essential for full participation in modern society. A reliable home Internet connection can have a transformative impact on a household and can lead to a wealth of previously untapped opportunities in areas like education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation. As Internet service providers (ISPs) and policymakers continue to find ways to expand high-speed broadband connectivity to all United States residents, it is essential no one is left behind.