Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

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Status: 

Planning Application Submitted

High-speed Internet access isn't a luxury. It’s 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 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.

Download the program info sheet (English | Español)

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)

Key questions to consider when preparing your application:

• Will these projects result in coverage for everyone in this state or territory?
• How will this project serve communities of color and address historic lack of investment in underrepresented communities?
• Will this project result in affordable Internet service for consumers?
• What technology will be used to deploy the network and what speed will it provide to consumers? How easily will this technology scale over time?
• How long will it take to build the network?
• Does the applicant have a demonstrated record of compliance with federal labor and employment laws?
• How does this project account for climate change risks?
• Is this project sustainable, and can it provide a lasting solution for the community it serves?

States and Territories will be required to offer a low-cost plan to all their subscribers. The details and rules around the low-cost plans will be part of each state or territory's proposal and will require approval.

See BEAD Application Guidance Package for:

• Step by Step Application Guidance
• Letter of Intent and Application Templates
• Application Checklist and Form Packet

Workforce Planning Guide for BEAD Program Eligible Entities

NTIA offers this Workforce Planning Guide as a resource for Eligible Entities completing submissions for Internet For All programs.  This guide intends to primarily support Eligible Entities developing submissions to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program but may also be applicable as entities develop their Digital Equity Plans.  It supports Eligible Entities in developing their workforces for grant implementation as well as designing workforce plans and standards for subgrantees.