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The NTIA has reached a new milestone with the announced approval of 50 final BEAD proposals, with only six left to be approved.

By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Only six eligible entities have yet to see their final BEAD proposals approved by federal officials, according to Arielle Roth, who serves as NTIA administrator.

Roth made the comments Monday, claiming that revised guidance to the government’s $42.45 billion broadband program. also known as BEAD, resulted in savings estimated at near $21 billion.

However, Roth has yet to clarify how that money, which remains appropriated by Congress for broadband spending, represents true savings for taxpayers.

She said Benefit of the Bargain reforms to the BEAD program, announced last June, caused a surge in participation, competition, and private sector matching contributions.

Roth said the reforms also drove down costs, increased skin in the game, and advanced innovative solutions for consumers.

“NTIA is working diligently with states and territories to get the remaining six final proposals over the finish line so that we can deliver on our goal of universal connectivity for the United States, once and for all,” Roth said.

Eligible entities yet to see their final proposals approved include the District of Columbia, Alaska, California, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Washington, according to the NTIA’s release.

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