In the latest win for broadband availability, the National Telecommunications and Information administration (NTIA) has officially approved all 56 state and territorial Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program final proposals.
The $42.5 billion federal grant program delivers funding for high-speed internet infrastructure planning and development. The program will help connect all Americans with reliable internet, including those located in rural, underserved and/or disconnected communities across the nation and its territories.
Approval of the last final proposal marks the closure of state and territory planning efforts for award allocation and implementation. These proposals outline the applicant’s plan to implement a program aligned with BEAD objectives, cementing a structured vision for ongoing development and policymaking for high-speed internet infrastructure development and deployment.
While the NTIA has finished its portion of approvals, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) retains its final say on greenlighting funding. Awards will only be given once the NIST has given its own notice of approval, allowing states and territories to access allocated funding.
Eligible projects for BEAD activation include:
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.
The NTIA’s next steps will focus around assisting states and territories in their implementation of BEAD-funded broadband deployment.
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