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Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
Authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the BEAD program will provide states funding that will help expand high-speed internet access and use. Texas was allocated $3.3 billion to support infrastructure deployment, mapping and adoption, including planning and capacity-building. The Broadband Development Office (BDO) will create a competitive process for potential subrecipients to apply for funding.
All program information, planning documents and deadlines will be available here. Check back often.
NTIA Funding Notification
MAY 2022
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the administering federal entity for the BEAD program, issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which describes the guidelines and requirements for how states need to award and monitor subgrantees through the BEAD program.
Public Engagement
ONGOING
The BDO conducts robust and comprehensive public engagement to ensure all Texas voices are incorporated into planning for the BEAD program. Data collected through these efforts are being used to inform the BDO and will be incorporated into all planning documents required to access the funding.
NOTICE OF AVAILABLE AMOUNTS
JUNE 30, 2023
In June, NTIA announced its funding allocations for the $42.5 billion BEAD program. Every state and territory received an allocation based on a complex formula. Texas’ allocation was the largest, totaling more than $3.3 billion. These dollars will be used by the BDO to issue broadband funding awards to subgrantees — including commercial and non-commercial internet service providers, as well as nonprofits — for the purpose of deploying broadband to unserved and underserved areas of the state.
Five-Year Action Plan
SUBMITTED TO NTIA ON AUG. 28, 2023
States and territories that are planning to access funding through the BEAD program were required to develop and submit a Five-Year Action Plan to NTIA outlining broadband objectives, goals and priorities for ensuring unserved and underserved locations gain access to reliable broadband. The plan serves as a needs assessment and informs how the BDO will develop a Texas-specific grant program with funding from the BEAD program.
- Email us to request a copy of the BDO’s BEAD Five-Year Action Plan.
Initial Proposal Draft
In Progress
States and territories under the BEAD program must develop and submit an Initial Proposal to the NTIA within 180 days of receiving the Notice of Available Amounts. The proposal will outline steps the BDO will take to pursue universal service, including an availability challenge process and a subgrantee selection process, and highlight any requirements and expectations of potential subgrantees. The final proposal is due on or before Dec. 27, 2023.
Public Comment
NOV. 2, 2023 – DEC. 4, 2023
The BDO posted a draft of the Initial Proposal and invited Texas residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on the plan. The BDO will consider all comments before finalizing the Initial Proposal.
We want to thank all stakeholders who took the time to submit their feedback. Your input is invaluable and plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Initial Proposal reflects the needs and concerns of all Texas communities.
Initial Proposal
Due to NTIA by Dec. 27, 2023
Following public comments and related revisions, the BEAD Initial Proposal will be submitted to NTIA.
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