The United States is on a mission to ensure every American has access to high-speed, reliable internet.
Progress is already evident. From June 2023 to June 2024, broadband providers brought internet access to 2.6 million new locations across the country.
In addition, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program— a 10-year, $42.45 billion federal plan to expand internet access—is underway and on track, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close America’s digital divide.
Why it matters: Internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From online education and healthcare to economic opportunities, reliable connectivity underpins modern life.
Initiatives like BEAD are essential for creating a more equitable and connected future for all Americans.
Tracking BEAD Program Milestones
Created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the BEAD Program provides funding for planning, infrastructure deployment, and internet adoption programs in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and participating U.S. territories.
Here are some of the key milestones achieved so far:
- Funding Allocations Announced: States and territories found out how much funding they will receive from the BEAD program.
- Proposals Developed & Approved: Each state and territory submitted initial plans explaining how they will use BEAD funding to improve internet access. The federal government has approved all initial plans.
Dive deeper: Check out the BEAD Progress Dashboard to see how states and territories are moving through the program.
What’s Next for BEAD?
With initial proposals approved, states and territories are now entering the next steps of the program:
- Finding Eligible Locations: Identifying areas that don’t have reliable, high-speed internet and qualify for BEAD funding.
- Selecting Service Providers: Choosing the internet providers that will build and manage the broadband networks funded by BEAD.
After completing this process, states and territories will submit final proposals outlining their provider selections and how they will ensure universal broadband coverage. Once approved, the states and territories can begin work on their BEAD-funded projects.
Louisiana, Delaware, and Nevada have completed these steps and will soon start construction on their BEAD projects.
How States Can Ensure Success
As states and territories move forward with their BEAD-funded plans, thoughtful planning and collaboration are essential to achieving the ambitious goal of universal connectivity in America.
Here are some strategies to maximize the impact of their funding, accelerate broadband expansion, and ensure long-term success:
- Focus on unserved communities: Prioritize projects in areas without internet access or where current service is insufficient.
- Prevent fraud and waste: Establish safeguards to ensure a competitive and fair bidding process when selecting which projects to greenlight.
- Collaborate with experienced broadband providers: Instead of attempting to reinvent the wheel, rely on the expertise of those who already know the territory, geography, and client base best.
Connectivity is at the heart of what we do at Beyond. Visit here to learn more and get involved.
