Benefit of the Bargain Round: Results and Next Steps

The Arizona State Broadband Office received more than 200 competitive applications with full coverage for the entire state as part of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Benefit of the Bargain (BOTB) Round, which closed on July 22, 2025. The BOTB Round welcomed cooperatives, nonprofits, private companies, utilities and tribal entities. This effort aims to provide all Arizonans with the opportunity to access high-speed internet. Ultimately, 206 applications were submitted by 28 eligible entities including all technology types. Looking ahead, the Application Review will take place until August 15, 2025, the Public Comment period will occur August 25 - September 1, 2025, and the Final Proposal will be submitted September 4, 2025.