Access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet remains a pressing need across the U.S., especially in states with higher rural populations. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program aims to address the connectivity gap between those who have access and those who don’t. The program—passed as part of the November 2021 bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—sets aside $42.5 billion in federal funds for expanding broadband infrastructure. In June 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced how it would split the funding per state. Reviews.org has taken a closer look into how the funds are distributed and the reasons behind the larger allocations. Key findings:

• Over 60% of the total broadband funding goes towards states with large rural populations.
• The states with the most funding per resident include Alaska, West Virginia, Wyoming, Montana, and Mississippi, with an average of $730 per resident.
• The states with the lowest funding per resident include Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Maryland, with an average of $33 per resident.
• Texas is allocated the highest funding overall, with over $3 billion in total BEAD funding.

Broadband accessibility has rapidly transformed into a modern-day essential, integral to our nation’s economy.  However, some still do not have access to basic internet connectivity, which became more evident during COVID-19. As a result, government programs like the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program were created to expand internet connectivity to unserved and underserved areas. Previous initiatives yielded low adoption rates and wasteful funding allocations, hindering progress and highlighting the need for transparency in the decision-making and funding process. American Enterprise Institute Nonresident Fellow Mark Jamison discussed the key obstacles facing broadband expansion.

Verizon Communications reached a $3.3 billion deal that gives Vertical Bridge the exclusive rights to lease, operate and manage thousands of wireless communications towers over at least 10 years. The two companies said the agreement is structured as a prepaid lease, with upfront payments of about $2.8 billion in cash. The deal allows Verizon to lease back capacity on 6,339 towers from Vertical Bridge as anchor tenant, with options to extend the lease term by up to 50 years. The agreement builds on Verizon’s existing joint venture with Vertical Bridge and is aimed at driving down tower-related costs, the companies said.