NCDIT to Launch Revised $1.5B Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to Expand High-Speed Internet Access in NC

The NC Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity announced its plans to launch a revised Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program in compliance with the restructuring notice released by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on June 6. The BEAD program provides $1.5 billion for high-speed internet expansion projects across North Carolina. The new federal guidance allows additional competition from fixed wireless and satellite providers, revises scoring criteria, and requires states to complete their subgrantee selection and submit tentative BEAD awards to the NTIA by Sept. 4. As such, the division will launch and complete the subgrantee selection process for North Carolina in adherence to this new timeline. To fulfill the new BEAD policy requirements, the division is extending its current and final prequalification window to 11:59 p.m. on July 7 for any remaining internet service providers who wish to participate in the BEAD subgrantee selection process. The new prequalification guidance, response form, and FAQs are available at ncbroadband.gov/BEAD-prequalification.