# NTIA Estimates Broadband Funding Needs

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration estimates that 600,000 to 1 million locations may still lack broadband service. NTIA is awaiting an updated Federal Communications Commission coverage map before working with states to identify areas potentially eligible for additional funding. The cost has not been established; estimates discussed range from $3 billion to $6 billion, and no solicitation, award timeline, or specific locations have been identified.

- The updated FCC map and subsequent state-level planning are the next steps in determining where funding may be directed.
- Broadband contractors can use the estimated scale of the potential need for market planning, but should treat both the eligible locations and funding amount as uncertain until mapping and state planning are complete.
- No solicitation or award schedule is available, so the signal does not yet identify a near-term bid opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

### Sources
- [NTIA Estimates Up to 1 Million Locations May Need Broadband Funding | Benton Institute for Broadband & Society](https://www.benton.org/headlines/ntia-estimates-1-million-locations-may-need-broadband-funding) - Benton Institute for Broadband & Society