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 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. 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
- 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.
The following entities have prequalified for the BEAD Program:
- 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.
Timeline
The application period is now closed.
| Date | Milestone |
| January 27, 2025 | Application Period Opens |
| February 9, 2025 | Deadline for Questions |
| February 14, 2025 | Responses to Questions Posted |
| February 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST | Application Submission Deadline |
Applicant Webinars
A series of informational webinars were held on January 15, 22, and 27 for prequalified entities.
Applicant Resources
- CT BEAD Program and Application Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions (last updated 2/20/25)
- List of Areas of High Poverty
- Eligible Community Anchor Institutions
Application Questions
- CT BEAD Application_Administration and Compliance
- CT BEAD Application_Priority Projects
- CT BEAD Application_NonPriority Projects
- CT BEAD Application_CAI Projects
Application Templates
- CT BEAD App_Alternative Percentage Proposal_Removed Locations List _Template
- CT BEAD App_CAI Locations_Template
- CT BEAD App_Fixed Wireless Design Submission_Template
- CT BEAD App_Professional Engineer Certification
- CT BEAD App_Proforma_Template
- CT BEAD App_Project Costs_Template
- CT BEAD App_Project Timeline_Template
- CT BEAD App_Satellite Design Submission_Template
- CT BEAD App_Served Locations_Template
Samples
- CT BEAD App_Letter of Credit_Sample
- CT BEAD App_Logical Network Diagram_Sample
- CT BEAD App_Project Costs_Sample
- Sample BEAD Awardee Terms and Conditions
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 Propo
sal
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 January 2025. Changes are redlined.)
Read DEEP's response to public comments submitted for Volume 1 and Volume 2.
Five-Year Action Plan
Five-Ye
ar 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.
BEAD Resources
BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity
A Prequalification Webinar was held on 10/21/24. Watch the recording. Download the slides.
Prequalification Frequently Asked Questions (last updated November 8, 2024).
Content last updated February 2025