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Chair cites GAO finding that federal broadband programs are fragmented and overlapping
Summary
The chair said federal broadband programs have become fragmented, citing a 2022 GAO finding of more than 130 programs across 15 agencies, and warned that duplication has caused overbuilding and waste.
The chair turned to rural connectivity, calling closing the digital divide a long-standing priority and saying that federal efforts have produced overlapping programs. He cited a Government Accountability Office finding that the federal government runs over 130 broadband programs across 15 agencies, which has led to overbuilding, waste, and confusion caused by conflicting requirements.
“The federal government runs over a 130 broadband programs across 15 different agencies,” the chair said, and he urged consideration of legislation to coordinate and align these programs. He described GAO’s recommendation for a government-wide strategy to reduce duplication and improve outcomes for unserved and underserved communities.
