Pete HahnloserPennsylvania has opened the first round of applications for its $1.16 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which funds broadband infrastructure projects and provides residential internet access.
Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced this initial round last month; applications will close Jan. 21.
In June 2023, Carson and Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled the commonwealth’s unprecedented BEAD program funding, expanding broadband access to unserved and underserved areas with the goal that high-speed internet reaches all residents by the end of the decade. Pennsylvania is the 10th state to make funds available.
Under federal guidelines, the BEAD program will feature two 60-day application windows to allow eligible entities to apply for funding to build high-speed internet networks in unserved areas.
“We’ve worked closely with local government leaders, state and federal officials, industry representatives and other stakeholders to design this program, and we’re excited to launch it,” Carson said. “For far too long, communities lacking internet access have had to make difficult decisions about how to educate their children, where they’re able to work or how to get their medical care. We have the funding needed and are ready to invest in a variety of technologies and networks of all sizes to provide high-speed internet to all corners of the Commonwealth.”
The dates for the second application period in 2025 have yet to be announced. After both application rounds are completed, the PBDA will review submissions and draft a final proposal detailing the selected recipients and projects.
This proposal will be available for public comment for 30 days before being submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), with final awards announced next year after NTIA approval.
Eligible applicants for the BEAD program include cooperative and not-for-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, private companies, public or private utility companies, public utility districts, municipalities or local government units and internet service providers registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
BEAD grants can be used for infrastructure improvements, long-term leases, deployment in multifamily residential areas, planning, design, engineering, personnel expenses, network software upgrades and workforce development. While there are no minimum or maximum grant amounts for individual projects, each project must include a minimum of 25% of the total cost in matching funds.
The PBDA also recently announced $45 million in Multi-Purpose Community Facilities grants to support projects to provide internet access in public spaces such as schools, libraries and community health centers.
The Commonwealth has also secured $204.1 million through the federal Broadband Infrastructure Program to deliver high-speed internet to over 100,000 Pennsylvanians across 42 counties. Additionally, $20 million will go toward providing technology devices, such as laptops, to schools, libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations and other nonprofits, enabling them to distribute them to those without the necessary tools to access the internet.
The PBDA’s BEAD Program Page offers resources for applicants, including webinars and a list of frequently asked questions.
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