Colorado accepting applications for $826.5 million in BEAD funding

The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) has announced that state-managed grant program Advance Colorado Broadband is accepting applications for $826.5 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The BEAD program is one part of the “Internet for All” initiative, which harnesses the resources of multiple federal agencies to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service to every American.

BEAD is allocating $42.45 billion to improve internet access by supporting planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption initiatives across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and U.S. territories. Funds are primarily intended to connect areas without internet access, with unreliable broadband or where speeds are below 25/3 megabits per second. Additionally, it targets underserved areas where internet speeds fall between 25/3 and under 100/20 Mbps.

Colorado plans to use BEAD funds to invest in infrastructure projects, mainly in rural regions, to develop dependable and affordable broadband networks for work, education, healthcare and tourism. The state’s main focus is connecting unserved and underserved areas, with fiber preferred due to its reliability.

“Colorado’s unique blend of mountainous terrain and rural plains encourage creative solutions and collaboration,” CBO Executive Director Brandy Reitter said. “While fiber is ideal, we will evaluate every application and consider a variety of technologies to find the best solution for each community.”

Eligibility is based on the state’s BEAD Eligible Location List, created using the FCC’s National Broadband Map and a challenge process approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This process involved input from tribes, internet service providers and communities to accurately identify who in Colorado lacks sufficient broadband access.

The Advance-BEAD website provides all the necessary documents and guidelines for organizations applying for BEAD funding. Residents interested in checking if their area is eligible can consult the BEAD Eligible Location Map.

Only three states – Kansas, Louisiana and Virginia – underwent the BEAD challenge process before Colorado. NTIA requires this step ahead of states and territories accepting applications for individual projects outlined in their second round of initial proposals.

Kansas is currently in its 45-day preapplication window for projects using its $451 million in BEAD funding.

Louisiana has opened its prequalification portal for the state’s $1.36 billion disbursement.

Virginia received NTIA approval for its second initial proposal in July and will begin accepting applications for $1.48 billion in grants after the challenge process is certified.

In June 2023, the NTIA announced funding allocations for all 56 states and territories. Program rules required these entities to submit initial proposals by December 2023, outlining their plans to engage with communities and allocate funds to unserved and underserved areas. All 56 eligible entities met the deadline, and their proposals are being reviewed for approval.

The top 10 recipients of BEAD funding are: