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.

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BEAD Funding

Transform your communities

State BEAD Tracker
BEAD Success Guide
Other BEAD Resources
BEAD FAQ

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.

BEAD state tracker

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.

Learn more about BEAD

BEAD Advocacy Toolkitopens in a new tab	A comprehensive resource to help broadband service providers gain local community and stakeholder support for their BEAD applications.
BEAD Readiness packetopens in a new tab	Helping service providers empower communities with the Broadband Equity, Acess, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Broadband Academyopens in a new tab	Broadband Academy is a complimentary eLearning resource for those seeking to understand the fundamentals of broadband services.
CE / Grant Writer Requestopens in a new tab	Looking for assistance with writing your BEAD grant or designing your network? Reach out to Calix and allow us to introduce you to the right partner!
Cybersecurity Awareness Courseopens in a new tab	Calix has partnered up with CISA, a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to deliver complimentary cybersecurity awareness content and resources through Calix University.
Matching Capital & LoC/Performance Bond Consultopens in a new tab	Expert support to help ISPs secure the financial commitments required for BEAD funding. (Matching Funds & LoC / Performance Bonds)
Workforce Transformation Courseopens in a new tab	Learn how Calix success services can help you find, upskill, retain, and scale your team with expert guidance, learning content, and complimentary resources.

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.

Other broadband funding opportunities

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

USDA—ReConnect Program Program

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

Learn more opens in a new tab

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 opens in a new tab

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
Venture capital
Convertible debt
Line of credit
Financing options

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 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

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

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.

Amperage Infrastructure opens in a new tab

Grain Management opens in a new tab

Kinetic Ventures opens in a new tab

Live Oak Bank opens in a new tab

Macquarie opens in a new tab

Turning Rock Partners opens in a new tab

Twin Point Capital opens in a new tab

SDC Capital Partners opens in a new tab

Searchlight Capital Partners opens in a new tab

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.

Download the report

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

BABA + BEAD
FCC Performance Testing

Broadband Nation interviews Greg Bathrick on BABA

The Build America Buy America Act has big implications for the BEAD program—but what does that really mean? The Department of Commerce asked top industry experts, and their insights might surprise you. #Infrastructure #MadeInAmerica #BEADProgram

Greg Bathrick on FCC Performance Testing

$42.5 billion is being spent to expand broadband—but how will states prove their networks meet the standards? The FCC Performance Measurement Act holds the answer, but the big question is: when does testing start? #Broadband #FCC #Infrastructure

Blogs

Calix Commitment