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BEAD – Biden-Harris Administration Approves Kansas, Nevada, and West Virginia’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
These States Are Now Authorized to Request Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $2 Billion
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Kansas, Nevada and West Virginia’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
Kansas, Nevada and West Virginia are among the first states to reach this important milestone, which will enable them to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
Today’s action makes available:
Kansas: $451.7 million
Nevada: $416.6 million
West Virginia: $1.2 billion
“Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re connecting everyone in Kansas, Nevada, West Virginia, and every state in America to quality, affordable Internet service and the jobs, healthcare and educational opportunities it provides,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “I commend the teams in Kansas, Nevada and West Virginia for their tireless work to ensure everyone in their state has access to reliable high-speed Internet service.”
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The states were allocated funding to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.
Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
“Today’s announcements mark another milestone in the effort to close the digital divide across America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “Kansas, Nevada and West Virginia have created strong plans — reflecting their unique needs — to deploy reliable, affordable high-speed Internet service across their states. I congratulate each of the state broadband offices for their commitment to connecting the unconnected within their borders.”
BEAD-eligible entities—the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023. NTIA provides weekly updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal on the Bead Initial Proposal Progress Dashboard page.
NTIA will continue to announce approval of initial proposals on a rolling basis.
One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure service to all unserved and underserved locations.
Here’s what stakeholders are saying about the announcement:
“Kansans, no matter their zip code, deserve access to reliable, high-speed internet,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The distribution of BEAD funds will break down the barriers that have prevented some from fully participating in a thriving digital economy.”
“Broadband is essential to connecting Nevadans with the jobs, education, and opportunities of the future,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “I am proud to have supported the creation and funding of the BEAD program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I’m pleased to see this progress, and I’ll continue working with the state of Nevada to close the digital divide in every corner of our state”
“Internet connectivity is essential for Nevadans’ daily lives, and I’ve worked across the aisle to increase high-speed Internet access for every household in our state,” said Senator Rosen. “I was proud to have created this program and secured historic funding for Nevada, and I’m glad to see it move forward to connect more households to high-speed Internet.”
“Every Nevadan deserves access to an affordable high-speed Internet connection. Approval of Nevada’s BEAD Initial Proposal is a critical next step in achieving our goal of statewide high-speed connectivity,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “We look forward to continuing our work with NTIA to quickly deploy these funds to bring better connectivity to the Silver State.”
“Today’s announcement is another step in the right direction of our goal to connect every West Virginian to reliable high-speed Internet by the end of the decade,” said Senator Manchin. “I fought hard to ensure that the BEAD Program was included in our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and it has already been transformative for communities across the Mountain State. I’m grateful for NTIA’s continued partnership and I will keep working every day to ensure that West Virginia has the means necessary to deliver dependable broadband service to every West Virginia family and business required to compete in a 21st century economy.”
“I am thrilled that West Virginia is the second state in the nation to have our BEAD plan approved by the Department of Commerce,” Senator Capito said. “This means West Virginia is another step closer to using our $1.2 billion towards efforts to better-connect homes, business, and classrooms across the state. It’s no surprise to me that West Virginia came out ahead of so many other states that have more personnel because it’s hard to compete with the dedication of Governor Justice’s team. I thank them for their tireless work on their plans to make sure these funds are able to be used properly and efficiently. While there is still a long road ahead to getting more West Virginians connected, we are well on our way with today’s announcement. I look forward to continuing to help our state in any way that I can during this multi-year process.”
Internet for All
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.
For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.
About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.
