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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
APPROVED BY NTIA ON APRIL 11, 2024
States were required to submit a comprehensive two-volume Initial Proposal for the BEAD Program that detailed the steps they planned to take in pursuit of universal service. The BDO posted a draft of the Initial Proposal and invited feedback from Texas residents and stakeholders. Following public comments and related revisions, the Initial Proposal was submitted to NTIA on Dec. 23, 2023. Volume I of the Initial Proposal was approved on April 11, 2024. Approval of Volume 2 is still pending.
- Email us to request a copy of the BDO’s BEAD Initial Proposal.
Need assistance?
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