GAO calls for cohesive federal strategy to curb fragmented broadband funding
Although there is a bevy of available federal broadband funding, the fragmented landscape is poised to hinder broadband access, according to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report. The GAO urged federal agencies to harmonize their funding efforts with a national broadband strategy, with help from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The watchdog also called on the White House develop and implement a national broadband strategy with the help of the National Economic Council (NEC).
“Coordinating agencies need to establish mutually reinforcing or joint strategies to help align activities, processes and resources to achieve a common outcome,” the GAO wrote. It identified at least 133 federal funding programs administered across 15 agencies that could support increased broadband access – creating a fragmented, overlapping patchwork of funding.