Two States and One Territory Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $750 Million
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Idaho, North Dakota and American Samoa’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
This approval enables Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
Today’s action allows states and territories to request:
- Idaho: Over $583 Million
- North Dakota: Over $130 Million
- American Samoa: Over $37 Million
“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that everyone in Idaho, North Dakota, American Samoa, and across the country has access to quality, affordable high- speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the teams in Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the states and territory is connected.”
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The states, territories and Washington D.C. were allocated funding to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.
Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
“Today, Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the state and territory broadband offices for developing strong proposals for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”
“In our world’s interconnected 21st century economy, rapid and reliable access to the internet for small business and educational opportunities is vital, especially for the future of a small local economy such as American Samoa and much-needed telehealth services,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “American Samoa needs federal investment to keep up with broadband and digital improvements. Thank you to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and NTIA Director Alan Davidson for encouraging and assisting any efforts to strengthen American Samoa’s infrastructure, and thank you especially to our local team working to implement funding opportunities.”
BEAD-eligible entities—the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.
NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal.
NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.
One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.
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Internet for All
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.
For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.
About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.