# NTIA Caps State BEAD Allocations

NTIA’s BEAD true-up policy limits each state or territory’s remaining support by multiplying the average deployment cost per broadband serviceable location in its approved Final Proposal by the remaining eligible locations identified through the challenge process. Because those remaining locations are expected to cost more to serve than locations funded earlier, states may need to redirect more funding from fiber deployments to fixed wireless and satellite projects.

- States’ allocation decisions could change the scale and mix of broadband deployment opportunities available to providers, particularly fiber contractors.
- Broadband providers should review relevant state allocation decisions and eligibility updates as states determine how to use their remaining BEAD support.
- Fixed wireless and satellite providers may find increased opportunities if states shift funding toward these technologies to serve higher-cost locations.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

### Sources
- [How NTIA’s Average Cost Cap Will Force States to Shift More BEAD Funds Away From Fiber Providers | Benton Institute for Broadband & Society](https://www.benton.org/headlines/how-ntia%E2%80%99s-average-cost-cap-will-force-states-shift-more-bead-funds-away-fiber-providers) - Benton Institute for Broadband & Society