Government Accountability Office

Broadband Infrastructure: States’ Reported Progress Implementing Requirements to Facilitate Deployment Along Federal-Aid Highways

In 2021, the Federal Highway Administration issued a final rule—the “dig once” rule—establishing new broadband infrastructure regulatory requirements for state departments of transportation that receive federal-aid highway program funding. These requirements included (1) identifying a broadband utility coordinator, (2) establishing certain processes to register and notify internet service providers and other entities, and (3) coordinating initiatives with state and local plans.

GAO finds E-Rate Program uses best practices to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse

The Government Accountability Office identified nine requirements and leading practices to oversee and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in awards, including grants, contracts, and loans. Of the five programs reviewed, only the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) had documented procedures for all nine. The nine requirements include:

GAO Finds Changes to BEAD Subject to Congressional Review Act

On June 6, 2025, the U.S.

Broadband Programs: Agencies Need to Further Improve Their Data Quality and Coordination Efforts

The Government Accountability Office was asked to review federal broadband efforts.

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