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

Challenge Process

About the Challenge Process

The BEAD Challenge Process is critical because it determines the locations and community anchor institutions within Connecticut that are potentially eligible for BEAD funding. Per the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) requirements, the State used the National Broadband Map as a starting point to identify the list of BEAD-eligible locations within its jurisdiction. DEEP will review and potentially modify the designation of a location as served, underserved, or unserved on the National Broadband Map through the Challenge Process. As required by statute, the initial eligibility determinations for funding eligibility under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program are based on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map. Eligible challengers included local governments, Tribal governments, nonprofits, and broadband service providers.

Phase	Dates
Challenge Phase (deadline extended)	April 1 - May 14
Rebuttal Phase	May 24 - June 22
Final Determination Phase	June 23 - July 22

The Challenge Process is now in the Final Determination Phase.

During the Final Determination phase, DEEP will make the final determination of the classification of the locations, either declaring each challenge “sustained” or “rejected.”

View Map of Challenges and Rebuttals

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

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.

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.