Communities are entering the most consequential broadband funding period in a generation.
Backed by billions in federal dollars, states, local governments, internet service providers and infrastructure partners are preparing projects designed to address persistent gaps in reliable high-speed internet access across the U.S.
At the center of that effort is the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program (BEAD), a federal grant program targeting rural communities throughout the nation. Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, BEAD is designed to connect every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships that build broadband infrastructure, especially in unserved and underserved areas.
As of April 2026, all 56 states and territories had submitted Final Proposals, 54 had received NTIA approval, 52 had received NIST approval making grant funds available, and 46 had signed award agreements, according to NTIA data. With federal funding flowing to states and local communities nationwide, projects are moving from early planning stages into full design and development.
But for rural communities, funding is only one part of the challenge.
Many rural communities do not have resources to pursue or plan new connectivity projects. These communities often require dedicated staff to address the complexities of broadband, including grant writers, GIS servicers, engineering support or procurement experience. Rural communities may also lack the technical data and provider relationships needed to move from identifying a need to building a fundable, deployable project.
That is where technical assistance becomes essential. Federal funding can help pay for infrastructure, but communities still need support to assess gaps, map assets, engage residents, coordinate with utilities, evaluate proposals, manage grants and ensure that broadband deployment leads to long-term digital opportunity.
There is assistance for communities in need
Communities Unlimited (CU) is a non-profit community development organization that has been offering infrastructure technical assistance to rural low income communities for over 50 years – serving in over 1,000 communities in 2025 in AL, AR, LA, OK, MS, TN and TX. CU offers technical assistance and support in water/wastewater, economic development, CDFI lending, entrepreneurship, housing, healthy foods, and broadband. In April 2026, Catherine Krantz, CU Area Director for Broadband, founded a new collaborative space and organization to ensure rural communities don’t get left behind in the next digital divide and to foster an environment of rural broadband thought leadership.
The Rural Broadband Institute (RBI) will provide education, training, advocacy, data research, white papers and thought leadership, as well as spaces for conversation and collaboration.
Formed as both a service hub and a gathering place for rural broadband thought leadership, the RBI is designed to help rural communities and public and private partners work together to advance broadband access, adoption and long-term digital opportunity. The RBI is expected to continue hosting regular meetings and offer services throughout 2026.
As part of this effort, CU has brought together national broadband leaders through a series of RBI “Broadband Conversations” focused on identifying persistent gaps and unmet needs. Participants have included representatives from state broadband offices, internet service providers, writers, researchers, advocates, workforce development and digital opportunity program developers, educators, network engineers and technical assistance providers.
CU officials are hosting RBI Broadband Conversations to kickstart collaborative efforts with industry leaders, community stakeholders, state broadband officials, researchers and internet providers.
The event, as part of an ongoing series, is intended to provide expert support and resources for public and private entities seeking to bridge the digital divide. RBI’s Broadband Conversations will also feature strategies to drive additional broadband investment and development, including:
- Information, resources and support for rural communities about connectivity, critical infrastructure, broadband, technology and related industries.
- Strategies that maximize rural communities efforts to harness new technologies and economic benefits.
- Proven cases of broadband deployment, capital investment and expanded critical infrastructure nationwide.
- Thought leadership from federal, state and local leaders in addition to industry partners, developers and service providers.
- National initiatives that promote broadband connectivity and capital investment.
The opportunity is practical
Local governments can seek help assessing broadband needs, preparing for funding opportunities, coordinating with utilities and providers, and developing digital opportunity strategies.
Internet service providers and infrastructure partners can engage with communities that are actively organizing for deployment. Funders and policymakers can use the institute as a source of field-informed research and case studies. Advocates and practitioners can participate in conversations, training and membership opportunities designed to strengthen the rural broadband ecosystem.
Rural communities are at the forefront of a generational opportunity to build critical infrastructure, modernize technology and systems, and connect millions of residents to reliable, high-speed internet service. While funding is flowing, the time is now to coordinate with state, local and regional partners and plan for the next stage of development. Organizations, such as the RBI and the nonprofit Communities Unlimited, offer valuable insights, support and resources that are vital for rural communities and other stakeholders.
Photos Courtesy of Communities Unlimited
Thumbnail image by Edouard Matte from Pexels
If you would like to learn more about The Rural Broadband Institute, please contact Catherine Krantz at Catherine.Krantz@communitiesu.org. For more information and how to get involved, visit https://communitiesu.org/.
