Running the BEAD Relay

The Maine Connectivity Authority is the state agency responsible for implementing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program. The MCA team and partners have worked tens of thousands of hours over the past three years to develop and execute thoughtful planning, mapping, and grant administration processes as required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The BEAD Project Application process recently closed, and this is MCA’s opportunity to evaluate applicants and determine how BEAD funding will be distributed to approximately 28,000 homes and businesses and 2,500 Community Anchor Institutions like libraries, community centers, and healthcare facilities​​. Initial results from the application process are highly encouraging, with applications for 385 project areas covering 79 percent of eligible locations. MCA and our internet service provider partners are ready to get shovels in the ground, with more than 90 percent of applications committing to complete projects within two years following permitting. Late last week, NTIA confirmed that anticipated updates to the BEAD program will make it infeasible for MCA to complete the program requirements in the previously defined timeframe. An updated policy notice is currently expected from NTIA in mid-May, although the final timing and the scope of the program changes under that notice are still to be determined. Ahead of the release of this updated program guidance, NTIA has stopped holding several procedural meetings necessary for states to continue progressing through the program’s execution.