Miles SmithConnecticut internet providers can apply for $144 million in grants that have been made available for projects to bring affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities in the state.
Pre-qualified providers may submit applications to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program through Feb. 25. Connecticut was awarded federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The deadline for questions is Feb. 9, and responses to questions will be posted on Feb. 14.
Eligible applicants will apply to serve the 7,245 locations identified within Connecticut’s cities and towns that are still in need of access to high-speed internet.
While many of the locations are already being addressed under DEEP’s $41 million ConneCTed Communities Grant Program, BEAD funding will allow the state to fill any gaps in those being serviced, Gov. Ned Lamont said.
“This funding is a cornerstone of our strategy to modernize Connecticut’s infrastructure and close the digital divide,” Lamont said. “Through the BEAD Program, we’re working to deliver the high-speed internet access our communities need to thrive, fueling economic growth, expanding educational opportunities, and improving access to vital services.”
DEEP is also inviting eligible applications to supply over 1,500 community anchor institutions (CAIs), or organizations that work to facilitate greater access to high-speed broadband. These CAIs are eligible for a gigabit-per-second (1Gbps) upload and download connection, DEEP said.
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