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
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Louisiana’s “Internet for All” Final Proposal
Louisiana Can Proceed Toward Network Construction That Will Connect All Remaining Homes and Small Businesses to Affordable High-Speed Internet
WASHINGTON –The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Louisiana’s Final Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative to connect everyone in America to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.
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.