Strategic PartnershipsThe North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity announced on May 30 that the state will reopen the prequalification window for internet providers to apply for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The federal program will provide $1.5 billion in funding for high-speed internet expansion projects across the state.
The prequalification window seeks to streamline the application process, ensuring applicants meet the minimum mandatory criteria before applying for funds. While many providers have already submitted materials during the previous window, North Carolina officials are encouraging further participation by reopening the prequalification window.
Broadband providers can check the BEAD program’s website for guidance on prequalification. Applicants will need to prepare certain documents and information related to financial, managerial, operational and technical capabilities to prequalify.
The deadline to submit applications for prequalification is June 30.
NCDIT has already distributed more than $635 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to date, connecting residential and commercial properties to high-speed internet. The division intends to use ARPA funds first to comply with a Dec. 31, 2026, deadline set by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The division will tap into BEAD funding to connect remaining underserved areas to high-speed internet by 2030.
The federal BEAD program provides a total of $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure and adoption programs across all 50 states and territories. Created through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the program is designed to make internet access as widespread and essential as any public utility by 2030, focusing on connecting areas that currently lack reliable broadband service.
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