Oregon's BEAD Final Proposal Approved, Unlocking Historic Broadband Investment Statewide

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Oregon's Final Proposal for the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, authorizing the state to move forward implementing the largest broadband infrastructure investment in Oregon's history. Through this approval, Oregon will invest $689 million to expand affordable, high-speed, and reliable internet service across the state. The initiative is expected to connect 104,654 unserved and underserved households, healthcare facilities, and businesses, with a strong focus on rural communities, tribal lands, and other historically underserved areas. This investment will not only bridge the digital divide but also create new opportunities in education, healthcare, agriculture, business, and daily life. Approved projects will span 36 counties and 7 of the 9 federally recognized tribes, covering 212 District Grant Areas, and supporting 313 broadband deployment projects statewide. Most projects will not begin until late 2026.