Skip to main content

It's now or never

Funding for broadband connectivity

Securing funding is crucial for broadband service providers (BSPs) looking to expand and enhance connectivity in their communities. With evolving opportunities at federal and state levels, navigating the funding landscape can be complex.

That’s why Calix has a dedicated funding team to help you through this journey. Our team provides expert guidance to help BSPs identify, apply for, and align their strategies with funding objectives. Whether you're seeking public grants or private investments, we offer the tools and insights to streamline the process and maximize your success. 

aerial rural rolling hills

BEAD Funding

Transform your communities

Calix has developed a resource that provides a one-stop-shop for all things BEAD in every state and territory. Here you will find links to the critical documents, webinars/office hours, and state online tools needed to navigate your way through the BEAD process. Calix has brought simplicity to the BEAD program by consolidating all the key links for ISPs in one location

Navigating the BEAD program can be complex. This four-part guide walks you though each critical phase of the BEAD journey. Whether you’re mapping out your network, crafting a compelling application, or managing compliance, this guide provides actionable insights to help maximize your funding potential and achieve sustainable growth. 

Even if you don’t plan to participate in the BEAD program, the challenge process is not an option. Learn more from Evan Feinman, director of the BEAD Program at NTIA, in this short video clip from our webinar on March 27, 2024, “Mastering BEAD Regulations: The New Build America, Buy America Application Framework Explained,” featuring NTIA, WTA, NTCA, and Calix.

States will open up subgrantee selection, when you’ll be able to put in bids. Go big—as every broadband service provider (BSP) will have a chance to compete—and the best project will win, regardless of BSP size. Learn more from Evan Feinman, director of the BEAD Program at NTIA, in this short video clip is from our webinar on March 27, 2024, “Mastering BEAD Regulations: The New Build America, Buy America Application Framework Explained,” featuring NTIA, WTA, NTCA, and Calix.

Hear from Evan Feinman, director of the BEAD Program at NTIA, speak about required programs that ensure broadband is affordable for all. This short video clip is from our webinar on March 27, 2024, “Mastering BEAD Regulations: The New Build America, Buy America Application Framework Explained,” featuring NTIA, WTA, NTCA, and Calix.  

As competition heats up for BEAD funding to cover desirable areas of the map, how will matching work? Learn more from Evan Feinman, director of the BEAD Program at NTIA, in this short video clip is from our webinar on March 27, 2024, “Mastering BEAD Regulations: The New Build America, Buy America Application Framework Explained,” featuring NTIA, WTA, NTCA, and Calix.

Broadband funding opportunities

Find details here on broadband funding opportunities, from both federal and state programs, in many different forms: infrastructure grants, planning grants, last/middle mile grants, and many more.

With BEAD Funding around the corner, $42.45 billion will be distributed amongst the states to expand internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption. Each state is expected to receive $100 Million at the very least and will distribute these funds through their individual programs they have established.

Using the map below, you can keep track of all the active funding programs in each state, and which ones to look out for in the future. In the meantime, states are continuing to use ARPA money to fund these programs. 

 

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Provides billions of dollars in funding to expand high-speed internet access  the U.S.

Learn more
USDA invests in rural America

For construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas

Learn more
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Program for state, local, and tribal governments to help fund various improvements in their respective states as part of the response to and recovery from COVID-19

Learn more
NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program

For broadband deployment on tribal lands in support of telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion

Learn more

Private funding

The Calix Private Funding Program is dedicated to connecting Broadband Service Providers (BSPs) with a diverse array of investment firms, including Private Equity, Venture Capital, Private Debt, and even equipment financers. We begin by conducting a consultation with BSPs to understand their future needs and objectives. Based on this assessment, we facilitate introductions to carefully selected investment firms that align with the BSPs specific needs, ensuring a tailored and strategic approach to funding and growth. ​

Grow your way

Expand your network on your terms. Private funding enables your company to grow without the strings/restrictions often associated public grants. Allowing flexibility in timing and locations.

Quickly receive capital

Private funding offers swift access to capital for infrastructure development. While public funds may take years to be fully distributed, private funding can be secured in just weeks or months.

Enable growth

Private funding facilitates the large-scale infrastructure investments essential for growth in the broadband industry.

Afford equipment

Equipment costs can pose a significant financial challenge for BSPs. Through Calix, leasing or financing options for equipment can streamline and accelerate your growth plans.

Private equity
Private equity

Private equity firms can offer substantial equity investments to rural broadband service providers, targeting mature and established companies with proven models. These firms often acquire a controlling interest, allowing them to take an active role in the management and strategic direction of the company. By providing both financial resources and managerial expertise, private equity firms aim to enhance the operational efficiency and market reach of BSPs, ultimately positioning the company for profitable growth and a successful sale.

Venture capital
Venture capital

Venture capitalists typically invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. In exchange for equity, VCs provide substantial capital and take an active role in their portfolio companies. They offer their experience, connections, and operational support, acting as a catalyst for growth. For BSPs in the early stages, this significant capital infusion can fund new projects and support expansion efforts, driving rapid development and market penetration.

Convertible debt
Covertible debt

Convertible debt is a financing mechanism commonly utilized by start-ups within the broadband industry. This form of debt allows for conversion into equity at a predetermined conversion rate, thereby providing lenders with potential financial upside. Due to this conversion feature, companies often benefit from lower interest rates on their borrowing, making convertible debt a particularly appealing funding option for early-stage businesses.

Line of credit
Line of credit

A line of credit debt provides companies with a revolving credit facility, enabling them to borrow and repay funds up to a specified limit. Secured lines of credit, backed by collateral, carry lower interest rates, while unsecured lines of credit, which do not require collateral, have significantly higher interest rates. This type of capital can help broadband service providers (BSPs) finance short-term projects or cover unexpected costs, offering flexibility and financial support when needed.

Financing options
Financing options

Costly equipment often represents a significant financial burden within the broadband industry. By leveraging leasing options, a Broadband Service Provider (BSP) can access the necessary equipment without the need for an upfront purchase, opting instead to pay for its use over a predetermined period. This approach enables BSPs to finance a portion of the equipment's total cost during the lease term, alleviating financial strain and preserving capital for other operational needs. Additionally, convertible debt structures can provide BSPs with flexible financing solutions, allowing for the potential conversion of debt into equity, thereby supporting sustainable growth and long-term investment in infrastructure.

Trending topics

Broadband funding resources

Broadband fuels rural economic growth and resiliency

An economic study released by the nonprofit Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) reveals groundbreaking evidence that fiber-fed broadband experiences enabled by local providers in rural communities significantly boost income, entrepreneurship, and business investment. 

The Future of BEAD Hinges on One Thing: The Broadband Provider. How to Step Up Now.
Watch webinar replay
BEAD Winners Don’t Just Build a Network. They Protect Their Communities From Online Threats—and More
Watch webinar replay

Blogs

Broadband funding news and insights

Manager, customer service and IT consultant at desk with computer, tablet and teamwork at call center
Jan 30, 2025 | 4 min
Drone aerial photograph of residential houses and surroundings with secured network
Jan 24, 2025 | 3 min
marketing executive explaining customer about application rejection reasons with the denied stamp on papers
Jan 16, 2025 | 3 min