NTIA approves three more states’ broadband funding proposals

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Thursday announced it’s approved three additional states’ initial proposals for the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program.

In line with funding allocations announced last summer, Montana is eligible to receive $628 million, Oklahoma $797 million, and Vermont $228 million. After states meet their broadband deployment goals, the BEAD program rules stipulate leftover funds can be used for “high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts.”

“We worked closely with the FCC to make sure all addresses were included in the plan,” Christine Halquist, executive director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board, said during a virtual press conference Thursday. “That was a heavy lift for all of us, of course, getting the maps right. But this plan ensures all public utilities can participate, and incorporates the Vermont values, the values of the governor, the legislature, and the 420 volunteers working across the state.”

The announcement comes as state governments begin the 2025 fiscal year, allocating how much can be spent on housing, technology, critical infrastructure and public safety. Broadband internet is increasingly viewed as a critical tool to access education, health care and government services, while its adoption has been linked with higher median incomes, expanding labor markets and decreased unemployment.

Part of President Joe Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative, the state grant program aims to close the digital divide by providing underserved communities, especially in low-income and rural areas, with reliable, high-speed internet service.

All 50 states have submitted their initial proposals and more than half have received approval from the NTIA. NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said during Thursday’s conference that he expects the technology agency to complete its rollout of federal funds to approved states by the fall.