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Four States Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $2.9 Billion
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Carolina’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s "Internet for All" initiative.
This approval enables Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Carolina to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
Today’s action allows states to request:
"In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in these four states and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Congratulations to the teams in Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Carolina. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the states is connected."
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. NTIA allocated a portion of these funds to each state to deploy or upgrade Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.
Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
"Today, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Carolina can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the state broadband offices for developing strong proposals for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service."
GEORGIA
"Since day one, my administration has prioritized bringing opportunity to all parts of our state, including those areas often overlooked," said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. "Securing these resources is the latest step we've taken to ensure that high-speed Internet access is available throughout the state and builds on the significant progress we have made in recent years to close the digital divide. Through this investment, my administration will continue to ensure that Georgia is the best state to live, work, and raise a family regardless of your zip code."
"Our historic bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Georgia," said Senator Jon Ossoff (GA). "Last year, we announced $1.3 billion to surge broadband connectivity across our state, and today’s announcement is a major next step toward ensuring every Georgia family and business has high-speed Internet."
"In the 21st century Georgians need a broadband connection to do just about anything, and I’ve been working for years to close the digital divide across Georgia, particularly in our rural and underserved communities," said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA). "That’s why I championed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and fought to ensure it included more than $1 billion to strengthen access to affordable, high-speed Internet across Georgia, and why I pushed the FCC to make sure these funds would go to communities that need it most. I’m thrilled to see these funds finally flow to every corner of our state."
"As the representative for a largely rural district, closing the digital divide remains one of my top priorities," said Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01). "I have enjoyed learning more about the Georgia broadband office’s plans for BEAD and look forward to reviewing the approved proposal. This approval represents a large step towards the deployment of broadband in rural Georgia. However, if we do not reform our broken permitting system, many Americans who need connectivity the most will continue to miss out."
MINNESOTA
"Internet access is necessary for everything from education to healthcare, not to mention for keeping in touch with friends and family. However, many households in Minnesota currently don’t have a reliable broadband connection," said Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN). "That is why I fought to secure this game changing investment that will deliver affordable and reliable high-speed Internet to everyone in Minnesota. With the approval of Minnesota’s rollout plan, we are one step closer to connecting every corner of our state."
"High-speed broadband is essential to ensuring everyone has access to the tools they need," said Senator Tina Smith (MN). "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed by the Biden-Harris administration has made historic investments to connect Americans to fast and reliable Internet, and while there is work ahead, today marks an important step forward."
"Increasing access to broadband is one of the best strategies for growing Minnesota’s economy," said Minnesota Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Thanks to our federal partners, we will have another way to help more people connect to high-speed broadband, allowing Minnesotans to launch a business, access online education or skills training and participate in our economy – no matter where they are in our state."
SOUTH CAROLINA
"I've long said that we need to treat the information highway the same way we treat our interstate highways — with significant investments in expansion and efficiency," said Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06). "The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s approval of $546 million for South Carolina’s BEAD program brings us one step closer to expanding broadband access to every corner of the state by connecting the final 31,750 underserved sites to the 21st century."
BEAD-eligible entities—the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.
NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal here: https://Internetforall.gov/bead-initial-proposal-progress-dashboard.
NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.
One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.