NTIA Announces Approval of 18 BEAD Final Proposals

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved 18 Final Proposals to deliver universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. NTIA claims these states saw a surge in participation, competition, and private sector matching contributions—driving down costs, increasing skin in the game, and advancing innovative solutions for consumers. Combined, the 18 Final Proposals approved will save approximately $6 billion. The States and Territories approved by NTIA include Louisiana, Wyoming, Iowa, American Samoa, Georgia, Arkansas, Delaware, Guam, Maine, New Hampshire, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, South Carolina, North Dakota, Hawaii, Montana, Rhode Island, and Virginia. And, one state, Louisiana, has signed its award amendment, allowing the state to access BEAD funds to begin delivering broadband to its constituents.