The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initial proposal volumes two for Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico, advancing efforts to close the digital divide.
This approval grants these states and territory access to over $3 billion in funding aimed at providing affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service to all addresses within their jurisdictions.
Key Allocations:
- New Hampshire: Over $196 million
- Colorado: $836 million
- Illinois: More than $1 billion
- Oregon: $688 million
- Puerto Rico: Over $334 million
National Effort to Bridge the Digital Divide
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the critical importance of reliable internet connectivity for accessing jobs, healthcare, and education. She praised the states’ teams for developing robust plans that ensure affordable, reliable high-speed internet service for all residents.
“The approved plans reflect a commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to the internet,” Raimondo stated.
BEAD Program Overview
The $42.5 billion BEAD program, administered by the NTIA, requires states to submit an initial proposal comprising two volumes. Volume two details the administration of the state’s allocated funds, while volume one outlines how states will address challenges to broadband coverage data to accurately identify areas lacking connectivity.
