Miles SmithRhode Island has officially launched its $108.7 million Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program by issuing its first request for proposals to design and build high-speed broadband infrastructure across the state.
The $42.45 billion federal BEAD Program aims to connect 25 million Americans currently without high-speed internet access.
Rhode Island’s funding for the program was provided by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Proposals are due by May 9.
“The BEAD Program will ensure that every home and business—regardless of where they’re located—has access to reliable, high-speed internet,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “We’re eager to start these investments in Rhode Island, which strengthen our communities and support Rhode Island’s economic future.”
Eligible applicants include private companies, local governments, nonprofits, utilities, cooperatives and public-private partnerships with the technical and financial capacity to complete broadband deployment projects. Projects in 30 cities are eligible for funding.
Proposed projects must comply with federal BEAD requirements and deliver internet service speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload with latency under 100 milliseconds.
Any BEAD funds remaining after the eligible Rhode Island locations have access to 100/20 Mbps service can be used to serve community anchor institutions and for eligible nondeployment purposes.
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