NTIA approves Washington’s final BEAD proposal, unlocking $1 billion investment for broadband expansion

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved Washington’s final Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program proposal, clearing the way for the Washington State Broadband Office to begin awarding $736 million in federal funding and $112 million in state match funding to bring high-speed internet to every part of the state. That combines with other sources for more than a billion in total funding to support broadband expansion. The approval is a significant milestone in Washington’s efforts to close the digital divide and ensure that every resident has access to reliable, high-speed internet. BEAD projects will bring about 166,500 businesses and households online over the next four years in Washington.