The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program (BEAD)

The BEAD program is no secret to the industry. With $42.5 billion available to help every state and territory close the digital divide, the program is on the mind of many broadband service providers (BSPs) across America. The sheer scale of the BEAD program makes it stand out from all those that have come before. Led by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories will provide funding to supply universal access to broadband, connecting every single unserved and underserved location nationwide.

We’re now a couple of years into the BEAD program, and most states are well into the map challenge process, with some having completed the process already. Now, as we move into the pre-application and application phases, it’s critical that BSPs are ready to engage with their state broadband office and local communities. Every state and territory can have a slightly different approach to these phases, so be sure to review your state/territories initial proposal Vol.1 & 2 for the most up to date guidance.
 

If your state/territory still has an active or upcoming challenge period, be sure to participate—regardless of if you will be applying for the funds or not! Participating in this process will not only allow you to protect your current service area from competitors, but it will also ensure the locations that receive funding are those that truly need it. Now, before the State can begin their application phase, they must first receive approval of their challenge results and IPV2 from the NTIA. To save time in the future, some states/territories have begun their pre-application phase. This phase allows them to not only approve the eligibility of all their applicants, but they can also use this phase to define their proposed services areas (PSA’s). States/territories are not waiting idle, they are still actively moving forward and your participation in these phases will ensure your success later down the line.
 

Once the state/territory receives approval of their challenge results and IPV2, they now have the green light to begin their application phase. Again, each state/territory may have a slightly different approach to this phase, so it’s important to review your IPV2 and work with your state broadband office (SBO) to understand exactly how it will work. States/territories recognize it will take time to gather the information required for this application, so they will provide sufficient time and guidance to be successful. Each state/territory will continue their outreach during every step of this program, be sure to check in with your SBO for any webinars/newsletters discussing any of these phases.
 

Ultimately, the money is going to be distributed to someone. If you don’t want your competition to overbuild or take over your market share, you must consider applying. Allow Calix to assist you throughout this journey. We can help you through the entire funding process, from finding the right partners to applying and winning funds!