BEAD Program

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

The BEAD Program was allocated $42.45 billion by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to expand high-speed internet access across the country by funding broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and adoption projects and activities.

Connecticut will receive $144 million to enhance broadband in the state.

This competitive grant program will fund the deployment of broadband service to unserved and underserved locations. After all locations have been served, any remaining funds will be used to support deployment of gigabit connections to community anchor institutions and digital equity related projects.

For information on Connecticut's digital equity programming and to read the State's Digital Equity Plan, click here.

BEAD graphic

Timeline graphic for BEAD Program showing that it's currently in the subgrantee selection phase.

BEAD Application Process Information

There is a multi-step process for selecting subgrantees and making BEAD fund awards:

Prequalification Phase: DEEP began with prequalification of applicants.
Scoring Phase: DEEP will issue a grant application and accept and score grant applications from prequalified applicants for specific projects.
Negotiation Phase: DEEP will then proceed to negotiations with the highest-scoring applicants and make provisional grant awards.

Thank you to all who applied to prequalify for the BEAD Program. The list below features the entities that have successfully met the prequalification requirements and are eligible to take part in the program. As a reminder, only prequalified entities may apply for BEAD funds, ensuring a committed and capable group of partners dedicated to expanding broadband access and bridging the digital divide.

Explore the prequalified entities driving connectivity and innovation across Connecticut's communities!

Cellco Partnership d.b.a. Verizon Wireless
Civitas Networks
Comcast
Connecticut Education Network (CEN)
Cox Communications
GoNetspeed
Reasnor Telephone Company
Space Explorations Technology Corp. (SpaceX)
The Southern New England Telephone Company d.b.a. Frontier
Verizon New York, Inc.

Prequalification Resources:

A webinar was held on 10/21/24. Watch the recording. Download the slides.
Prequalification Frequently Asked Questions (last updated November 8, 2024).

Challenge Process Results

The goal of the BEAD challenge process was to improve the Connecticut BEAD Program Broadband Map so DEEP has an accurate map to make funding decisions. Through the Challenge Process, eligible challengers were able to provide information indicating whether certain locations should or should not be eligible for funding. The Challenge Process opened April 1, 2024, and closed on July 22, 2024. BEAD Challenge Process results received NTIA approval on December 12, 2024.

Files with the final classification of each unserved location, underserved location, and Eligible Community Anchor Institution as approved by the NTIA are linked below and can be used to begin developing projects in line with the project area and subgrantee selection process outlined in Volume 2 of Connecticut's Initial Proposal. Additional program guidance and timing will be published soon. Please note that locations awarded in round 1 of the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program will be removed from the eligible location list once those awards are formalized in contract.

Please contact DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov with questions.

Initial Proposal: Volumes 1 and 2

Initial Proposal

The Initial Proposal is the “first draft” of DEEP’s Final Proposal for BEAD grant funding, and, among other things, explains how Connecticut will ensure that every resident has access to a reliable, affordable, and high-speed broadband connection. After a public comment period, Volumes 1 and 2 of Connecticut’s Initial Proposal were submitted to the NTIA on December 27, 2023 and subsequently approved.

Click here to read Volume 1 and here to read Volume 2. (Note that Volume 2 was updated in August 2024. Changes are redlined.)

Read DEEP's response to public comments submitted for Volume 1 and Volume 2.

Five-Year Action Plan

The plan serves as a strategic roadmap to achieve the state’s broadband goals and serves as a comprehensive needs assessment that informs the next steps of the funding process.

Click here to read the Five Year Action Plan.