BEAD Program Guide: $42.45 Billion for Broadband Expansion (2026)
What Is the BEAD Program?
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is the largest federal broadband investment in American history. Authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), BEAD provides $42.45 billion to states and territories to deploy broadband infrastructure.
BEAD's primary goal is to ensure every American has access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. The program specifically targets locations that are "unserved" (lacking 25/3 Mbps service) or "underserved" (lacking 100/20 Mbps service) based on FCC broadband maps.
Key Facts
- Total funding: $42.45 billion
- Administered by: NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)
- Target: Every unserved and underserved location in the U.S.
- Speed requirement: Minimum 100/20 Mbps (fiber prioritized)
- Timeline: State subgrant applications 2025-2026, construction 2026-2028
- All 50 states + DC + territories: Each receives an allocation based on unserved/underserved locations
Funding Allocations by State (Top 10)
| State | BEAD Allocation | Unserved Locations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $3.31 billion | ~850,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| California | $1.86 billion | ~400,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| Missouri | $1.74 billion | ~430,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| Virginia | $1.48 billion | ~350,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| Michigan | $1.46 billion | ~380,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| Alabama | $1.39 billion | ~360,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| Georgia | $1.31 billion | ~340,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| North Carolina | $1.16 billion | ~310,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| Louisiana | $1.36 billion | ~320,000 | Subgrant applications open |
| Mississippi | $1.21 billion | ~290,000 | Subgrant applications open |
All 50 states received at least $100 million. States with the most unserved locations received the largest allocations. Check your state broadband office's website for local timeline and project updates.
BEAD Timeline and Milestones
- 2022: NTIA publishes BEAD rules and Notice of Funding Opportunity
- 2023: States submit initial proposals and Five-Year Action Plans
- 2024: States submit Initial Proposals and Final Proposals; NTIA approves allocations
- 2025: States begin accepting subgrant applications from ISPs
- 2026: Subgrant awards finalized; construction begins in most states
- 2027-2028: Major construction phase; first BEAD-funded connections go live
- 2028-2029: Completion of initial deployment targets
The timeline varies by state. Some states began construction in late 2025, while others are still finalizing subgrant awards. The universal service requirement means every unserved location must be addressed before funds can be used for underserved locations.
Who Benefits from BEAD?
BEAD primarily benefits Americans in areas without adequate broadband:
- Rural communities: Farms, small towns, and unincorporated areas lacking broadband infrastructure
- Tribal lands: Native American reservations and tribal areas with historically low connectivity
- Low-income households: BEAD requires states to develop affordable broadband programs
- Small towns: Communities too small for ISPs to invest without subsidies
If you currently lack broadband options, BEAD funding may bring fiber or fixed wireless to your area within the next 2-3 years. Contact your state broadband office to check if your address is included in BEAD deployment plans.
Technology Requirements
BEAD strongly prioritizes fiber optic infrastructure:
- Priority 1: Fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) projects receive highest scoring
- Priority 2: Other technologies delivering 100/20 Mbps (cable, fixed wireless)
- Minimum speed: 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload
- Latency requirement: Under 100 ms round-trip
- Low-cost option: Every BEAD-funded ISP must offer at least one affordable plan
The emphasis on fiber means most BEAD projects will deploy long-lasting fiber infrastructure, providing communities with future-proof broadband capable of gigabit+ speeds.
Expected Impact
When fully deployed, BEAD is expected to:
- Connect 8.5 million currently unserved locations to broadband
- Upgrade 3.5 million underserved locations to 100/20+ Mbps
- Deploy primarily fiber infrastructure across rural America
- Create tens of thousands of construction and maintenance jobs
- Require affordable broadband options in every funded area
- Close the digital divide for millions of Americans
For current broadband options while waiting for BEAD deployment, see our guides on rural internet, satellite internet, and fixed wireless.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will BEAD bring internet to my area?
Most BEAD-funded construction will occur between 2026 and 2028, with the first connections going live in 2027. Timelines vary by state. Contact your state broadband office for specific deployment plans for your area.
Will BEAD make internet cheaper?
Yes, BEAD requires every funded ISP to offer at least one low-cost broadband plan. States are also required to develop affordability programs. However, the specific pricing and eligibility criteria vary by state and provider.
Does BEAD only fund fiber?
BEAD prioritizes fiber but also funds other technologies that meet the 100/20 Mbps speed requirement, including fixed wireless and cable. In areas where fiber is not cost-effective (extremely remote locations), alternative technologies are allowed.
How do I know if my address is "unserved"?
Check the FCC's broadband availability map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov. If no provider offers 25/3 Mbps service at your address, you are considered "unserved." If no provider offers 100/20 Mbps, you are "underserved." Both qualify for BEAD funding.
Can I apply for BEAD funding as a consumer?
BEAD funding goes to ISPs and broadband providers, not directly to consumers. However, you can participate by challenging the FCC broadband map if it inaccurately shows service at your address, which helps ensure your area receives BEAD funding.
What should I do while waiting for BEAD?
While waiting for BEAD deployment, consider Starlink ($120/mo) for the best rural speeds, T-Mobile 5G Home ($50/mo) where coverage exists, or local fixed wireless providers. See our rural internet guide for all options.
How ISPs Apply for BEAD Funding
Understanding how BEAD subgrant applications work helps communities and consumers advocate effectively for broadband investment in their areas. While individual consumers cannot directly apply for BEAD funds, understanding the process empowers you to engage with your state broadband office and support applications that will serve your community.
The Application Process
BEAD subgrant applications follow a structured process established by each state's broadband office, within guidelines set by the NTIA. The general process involves state broadband offices publishing a call for applications with specific geographic areas, technology requirements, and scoring criteria. ISPs (including local WISPs, cooperatives, and major carriers) submit proposals detailing their deployment plans, timelines, technology choices, and pricing commitments. Applications are scored based on technology type (fiber receives the highest priority), affordability commitments, speed tiers offered, deployment timeline, and the applicant's track record of successful broadband deployment. States award subgrants to the highest-scoring applicants for each geographic area and submit selected applications to the NTIA for final approval.
Priority Scoring
BEAD applications receive higher scores for fiber deployments (FTTP), lower consumer pricing, higher speed tiers (especially upload speeds), faster deployment timelines, and demonstrated experience deploying broadband in similar areas. This scoring system means most BEAD-funded projects will use fiber optic technology, providing communities with future-proof infrastructure capable of multi-gigabit speeds for decades to come.
Community Involvement
Communities can influence BEAD outcomes by participating in state broadband planning processes (public comment periods, town halls), ensuring the FCC broadband map accurately reflects service at local addresses (challenge inaccurate data), contacting state broadband offices to express broadband needs and priorities, supporting local ISP and electric cooperative applications, and connecting with your state legislators about broadband funding priorities.
BEAD Affordability Requirements
A key component of BEAD is its affordability mandate. Every ISP that receives BEAD funding must offer at least one affordable broadband plan in the funded service area. While states have flexibility in defining "affordable," the NTIA requires that low-cost plans meet certain minimum standards.
Low-Cost Broadband Requirements
- Minimum speed: At least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload
- No data caps: Affordable plans cannot include data caps or usage-based pricing
- Reasonable pricing: States set maximum pricing, typically $30/month or less for qualifying households
- Eligibility: Available to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or those enrolled in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or the free school lunch program
These affordability requirements mean that BEAD will not just bring broadband to unserved areas but will also make it accessible to low-income households. Combined with the Lifeline program's $9.25/month federal subsidy, qualifying households in BEAD-funded areas could access quality broadband for as little as $20/month.
For current affordable internet options (before BEAD deployment reaches your area), see our cheap internet guide and low-income programs guide.
State-by-State BEAD Progress
BEAD deployment timelines vary significantly by state. Factors including the number of unserved locations, geographic challenges, permitting processes, and state broadband office capacity all affect how quickly each state can award subgrants and begin construction.
Leading States
Several states are ahead of schedule in their BEAD deployment. Louisiana has been among the fastest-moving states, leveraging its existing GUMBO (Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities) program infrastructure. Virginia has combined BEAD funds with state matching funds to accelerate deployment. Texas, despite having the largest allocation ($3.31 billion) and most unserved locations, has moved efficiently through the application process.
Monitoring Progress
To track BEAD progress in your state, visit your state broadband office website (search for "[your state] broadband office"), check the NTIA's BroadbandUSA website for federal updates, follow your state broadband office on social media for announcements, and attend virtual or in-person public meetings about broadband planning. Being engaged in the process helps ensure that BEAD funds are deployed effectively and that your community's needs are represented.
BEAD Implementation Challenges
While BEAD represents an unprecedented investment in American broadband, several challenges may affect the program's implementation timeline and outcomes.
Labor Shortages
Deploying fiber to millions of locations requires a massive skilled workforce, and the telecommunications industry is facing a significant labor shortage. Fiber splicing technicians, construction crews, and project managers are in high demand. The industry estimates it needs an additional 25,000-50,000 skilled workers to meet BEAD deployment timelines. This labor shortage could delay construction in some states, particularly in rural areas where workers must travel long distances between job sites.
Supply Chain Concerns
The simultaneous deployment of broadband across all 50 states creates unprecedented demand for fiber optic cable, conduit, handholes, and electronic equipment. While manufacturers are ramping up production, spot shortages of specific materials could cause delays in individual projects. States and ISPs are encouraged to place orders early and maintain supply buffers.
Permitting and Rights-of-Way
Running fiber requires permits from multiple jurisdictions (federal lands, state highways, county roads, city streets) and access to utility poles or underground conduit. The permitting process can take months, and backlogs at overloaded permitting offices could slow deployment. Some states have passed "dig once" policies requiring all road projects to include conduit for future fiber, and several states have streamlined broadband permitting to accelerate BEAD deployment.
Broadband Map Accuracy
BEAD funding allocations are based on the FCC broadband map, which has historically contained significant inaccuracies. Some areas may be classified as "served" when actual service is poor or unavailable, while other areas may be incorrectly classified as "unserved." The FCC has improved its mapping methodology and opened a challenge process for consumers and local governments to correct inaccurate data, but map accuracy remains an ongoing concern.