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Funding for broadband connectivity

As a broadband service provider (BSP), you have the power to bridge the digital divide and bring connectivity to your community. But you also face the challenge of raising enough capital to build and expand your network. That’s why Calix has a dedicated funding team to help you through this journey. Through our partnership with Ready.Net and our relationships with external stakeholders, we have made it seamless for BSPs to apply, secure, and maintain funding needed to transform their businesses but more importantly their communities.

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BEAD Funding

Transform your communities

The Broadband Equity and Deployment program (BEAD)

BEAD provides grant funding to qualified service providers to expand high-speed Internet access to unserved and underserved communities. It comprises a 42.5B program designed to bring universal broadband service to all in the United States, Washington D.C. and five territories.

Everything you need to make a
life-changing impact on your communities.

BEAD Compliant Infrastructure

Aggregation Systems: Integrated layer 2 and layer 3 aggregation with consolidated subscriber management features provide functionality and streamlined operations in all parts of the network.

Access and Premises Systems: Calix BEAD compliant components include the latest Optical Line Terminating and Optical Network Terminating (ONT) equipment along with compliant integrated ONT and Wi-Fi enabled routing gateway systems for delivering high-capacity XGS-PON based value added services.
 

BEAD Deployment Success Services

Unmatched Calix Success services help BSPs every step of the journey with planning, deployment, and best practices to accelerate your BEAD project completion.
 

BEAD Performance Testing

Calix Cloud applications along with GigaSpire premises systems provide you the framework to support the ongoing performance validation requirements for your BEAD buildout.

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.

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Broadband funding insights and news

Ultimate Guide to Broadband Funding

Unleash your potential

Whether you're a new market entrant, an expanding provider, or a community leader, The Ultimate Guide to Broadband Funding provides the clarity and direction you need to secure essential grants and investments.

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