Don’t miss these important dates to apply for federal funding for high-speed broadband access. At Vecima, we believe there is power in connectivity, and it starts with equitable digital access.

The Digital Equity Act

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) administration of The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. The bill’s goal is to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy.

Key dates are coming up in July. The state application is due July 12, 2022. The Letter of Intent for Territories and Tribal Nations is also due July 12, 2022.

Find more guidance about applications for the Digital Equity Act on the NTIA website.

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

The NTIA is also the administrator of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). BEAD is a federal program that provides $42.45 billion in grants to eligible entities to expand high-speed internet access. Access will be increased through three key efforts: funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the BEAD program was released on May 13, 2022. Eligible entities include any state within the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Entities must submit a letter of interest by July 18, 2022, to participate in the program.

Internet for All

The BEAD program’s goal is to get all Americans online. How will BEAD accomplish that goal? The program will fund partnerships between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders to build infrastructure where it is needed and increase the adoption of high-speed internet.

Funding will primarily be distributed based on the relative number of unserved locations. A location is designated as unserved if it lacks access to a connection of at least 25 MBps downstream and 3 MBps upstream.

Eligible uses of fund examples include planning for deployment of internet, deploying or upgrading internet, installing internet in multi-tenant buildings, implementing digital equity programs, internet adoption plans, and workforce training.

Learn more about the BEAD program and find help with applications on the NTIA website.