Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment (BEAD) Program
The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) Program, funded by the IIJA, is a $42.45 billion federal grant program that aims to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build infrastructure. In June 2023, NTIA announced allocation amounts for all 56 states and territories. States and territories can use their allocated funds for these eligible uses:
- Planning for the deployment of high-speed internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training
- Deploying or upgrading internet infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas, or improving service to community anchor institutions
- Installing internet and Wi-Fi service in multi-unit residential buildings
- Internet access, adoption and use programs
- Workforce readiness programs to meet the needs of the infrastructure programs
- Other activities that increase meaningful use of constructed infrastructure, at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary
BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice Released
NTIA has issued a Policy Notice instituting reforms to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Click here for the most up-to-date information on the BEAD program.
Related content
Important Ideas to Streamline Broadband Permitting and Support Internet for All Deployments
By Jill Springer, Senior Advisor, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, NTIA
High-speed Internet service connects and builds communities, accelerates economic progress, and enhances public service capabilities. Installing broadband infrastructure can be complex due to permitting processes and regulations that may influence the availability of public rights-of-way, poles, conduits, ducts, and other necessary facilities.
Navigating federal, state, and local permitting requirements may pose challenges for NTIA grantees and subgrantees, particularly for small ISPs, electric co-ops, community-based organizations, and others with limited resources, which can result in deployment delays. States and territories will play a pivotal role in helping to close the digital divide in the United States and can work to streamline their permitting processes to improve deployment efficiency.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Maryland’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
Maryland Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $267 Million
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Maryland’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Indiana’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
Indiana Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $868 Million
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Indiana’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.