Starlink and Amazon ask for $300 million of Colorado’s BEAD Program funds after federal rule changes

Rule changes and an aggressive new timeline on how Colorado can use its $826.5 million in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds had local internet providers scrambling this month. All had to reapply for grants to subsidize new internet infrastructure for underserved rural communities, including internet service providers (ISPs) who had already received preliminary approvals. Applications closed July 29, but the two-week sprint––compared to six weeks the first time––left many overwhelmed. And a rule change to keep the tech neutral essentially prohibited a preference for fiber over wireless, satellite or even DSL. Some companies dropped out. Colorado Broadband Office Executive Director Brandy Reitter is concerned about the next stage, which includes vetting applicants and making sure the 130,000 locations vying for dollars really are unserved or underserved. Last time, it was a nine-month process. Now, she has 45 days.