Press Releases
09/10/2025
DEEP Releases BEAD Program Final Proposal for Public Comment
Seeking Public Comments on Draft Proposal to Expand Broadband Access Through September 16
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today a public comment period for its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Final Proposal, which outlines plans to bring high-speed internet to approximately 1,800 locations across the state. The draft Final Proposal can be found on DEEP’s website. The public comment period runs through September 16, 2025.
The draft Final Proposal details Connecticut's roadmap to connect 724 homes and businesses, as well as approximately 1,100 Community Anchor Institutions—including schools, libraries, and hospitals—that currently lack adequate internet service. This document is a critical step in securing federal BEAD funds allocated by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
“The BEAD Final Proposal is a strong plan to reach Connecticut locations that are still in need of broadband. It builds on the State’s existing efforts and accomplishments, significantly expanding broadband access to residents across the state through efficient federal fund management, stakeholder engagement, and community collaboration,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “We are encouraging everyone, including residents, local leaders, and internet service providers, to review the Proposal and share feedback. The Proposal outlines a path for a stronger, better-connected Connecticut and together, we will make this plan a reality.”
Connecticut's broadband expansion efforts have been enabled by strong cooperation among communities, local leaders, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This public comment period offers an opportunity for businesses, individuals, municipalities, tribal governments, and community organizations to share how expanded internet access impacts them.
“Access to reliable and affordable broadband is crucial -- from education, healthcare, and connecting with loved ones, internet access opens doors,” said Kevin Pisacich, Director of DEEP’s Office of Telecommunications and Broadband. “We invite everyone to review Connecticut’s Final Proposal and make their voices heard.”
The state has already made significant progress in expanding broadband access. As of the end of 2024, Connecticut has:
- Expanded gigabit-speed broadband availability to nearly 850,000 locations statewide
- Increased basic broadband access to 99.6% of Connecticut locations
- Awarded ConneCTed Communities Grant Program (CCGP) funding to connect 4,293 previously unserved or underserved locations
The draft Final Proposal identifies which ISPs will provide service to each location and details what DEEP has already done to support the expansion of access to fast, affordable, and reliable internet service to every community in Connecticut. Award funding by the NTIA will be based upon review and approval of the Final Proposal.
The draft Final Proposal is available.
The agency will accept comments on the draft plan through September 16, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Comments must be submitted via email to DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov, or by mail to DEEP's Office of Telecommunications and Broadband, Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051.
Learn more about DEEP’s broadband deployment.
About BEAD
Connecticut received $144 million through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to expand high-speed internet to unserved locations (lacking 25/3 Mbps service) and underserved locations (lacking 100/20 Mbps service). The funding supports infrastructure deployment to connect homes, businesses, and community institutions across the state with reliable broadband access.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110