All States Apply for BEAD Money

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All states and territories have submitted applications to the National Information and Telecommunications Administration (NTIA) for initial planning funds as part of the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The BEAD Program is part of the administration’s Internet for All initiative.

The BEAD Program enables states and territories to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs. In total, the bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $65 billion to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, reliable broadband connectivity.  

“The Internet for All Initiative will provide states and territories the resources they need for thorough planning, which is essential to ensure funding is used equitably, efficiently, and effectively,” said NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “I want to thank every state and territory for meeting our deadline so that we can close the digital divide as quickly and completely as possible.”

Initial planning fund applications for the BEAD program were due by August 15. NTIA says it will evaluate the applications and make awards available as expeditiously as possible. Within 270 days of the receipt of planning funds, states and territories are required to submit a five-year action plan, which will help establish goals and priorities for high-speed internet service and serve as a comprehensive needs assessment.

Planning funds can be used for a number of activities, including:

  • Research and data collection;
  • Publications, outreach, and communications support;
  • Providing technical assistance to potential subgrantees;
  • Training for employees of a broadband program;
  • Establishing, operating, or increasing capacity of a broadband office;
  • Mapping to catalog broadband adoption, affordability, equity, access and deployment activities;
  • Conducting surveys of unserved, underserved, and underrepresented communities to better understand barriers to adoption; and,
  • Promoting the Affordable Connectivity Program to help connect Americans immediately.

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