Letter 1

Background 6

Selected Programs Have Begun Distributing Funding for Broadband Deployment, and Progress on Completing Projects Varies 15

Agencies Use Mapping Data to Target Underserved Areas, but Aspects of FCC’s Challenge Process May Hamper These Efforts 37

NTIA Lacks a Process for Monitoring Sustainability of BEAD Projects, but Agencies Have Taken Steps to Address Challenges with Permits and Reviews 45

Conclusions 52

Recommendations for Executive Action 53

Agency Comments 53

Appendix I Objectives, Scope, and Methodology 55

Appendix II Characteristics of Broadband Deployment Projects in Selected Programs 62

Appendix III Comments from the Federal Communications Commission 73

Appendix IV GAO Contact and Staff Acknowledgments 74