Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment (BEAD) Program
High-speed Internet access isn't a luxury. It is needed to fully engage in the economy, and it helps ensure public safety and the health of our nation. Unfortunately, too many in America lack access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet.
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
This program funds projects that help expand high-speed Internet access and use. It supports infrastructure deployment, mapping, and adoption. This includes planning and capacity-building in state offices. And it supports outreach and coordination with local communities. We aim to expand Internet access to these priority areas:
- Unserved locations (No access to 25/3 Mbps)
- Underserved locations (No access to 100/20 Mbps)
Download the program info sheet (English | Español)
Learn more about the BEAD Allocation Methodology here.
Award Synopsis
To date, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has allocated more than $42.45 billion across 56 states and territories as part of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program.
Public Resources related to BEAD Plans and Milestones
Eligible Uses of Funds
- Planning for the deployment of high-speed Internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training
- Deploying or upgrading Internet in unserved or underserved areas or improving service to community anchor organizations
- Installing Internet and Wi-Fi in multi-unit residential buildings
- Adoption and digital equity programs
- Workforce development programs and vocational training
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
You can find full details about this program in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Download the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Visit the BroadbandUSA website for the most up-to-date information about NTIA's broadband programs, including grant programs and technical assistance materials.
Ways to Get Involved
Eligible entities must conduct coordination with local governments, Tribes, community orgs, and individuals within their jurisdiction. Members of the public are encouraged to contact U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and territories to learn about more ways to get involved.
Contacts
For State/Territory points of contact, please visit the BroadbandUSA website and select the state for contact details.
Grantee Support: Grants.gov provides 24/7 support via the toll-free number 1-800-518-4726 and email at [email protected]. For questions related to the specific grant opportunity, contact the number listed in the application package of the grant you are applying for.
Related content
Final Guidance for BEAD Funding of Alternative Broadband Technology
With All Funds Obligated, NTIA Takes Additional Steps to Accelerate BEAD Construction
As of last week, the federal government has obligated all $42.45 billion in BEAD funding to states and territories (the “Eligible Entities”). This means that, subject to the terms and conditions of their awards, Eligible Entities can access their BEAD allocation to connect every resident to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service. With all 56 Eligible Entities having now reached this critical milestone, we know that grantees are eager to begin deployment of new high-speed Internet networks.
That’s why today, NTIA is accelerating construction to households across the country by streamlining the BEAD Final Proposal process and providing resources that will allow states, territories, and service providers to put shovels in the ground more quickly. With these steps, states, territories, and providers can fast-track the important work of connecting unserved and underserved Americans.
In November, NTIA announced that all 56 states and territories have received approval of their BEAD Initial Proposals. States are now completing their challenge processes and selecting the service providers who will build BEAD-funded networks to unserved and underserved locations. When that process is completed, they will submit their Final Proposal, which details the results of that process. To date, Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada have completed both processes.
Today, NTIA released two documents to streamline the Final Proposal and accelerate BEAD construction.