The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has officially approved Final Proposals for 42 of the 56 BEAD-eligible states and territories under the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Progress updates are published on the NTIA Bead Progress Dashboard, which tracks submission status and review timelines.
NTIA notes that all 56 eligible entities have now submitted their Final Proposals for review as of January 16, reflecting a steady pace in BEAD approvals. The agency has pledged to complete its review within 90 days of submission.
Louisiana became the first state to sign its BEAD award amendment last year, marking a milestone in BEAD deployment and funding sequencing as more states await final determinations.
The BEAD program encompasses $42.45 billion in funding intended to close the digital divide and accelerate broadband access across rural and underserved areas. Federal officials say the approvals represent billions in taxpayer savings.
“We’re getting the job done—at a fraction of the cost,” said NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth, noting that the overall “Benefit of the Bargain” savings could total about $21 billion. “In the end, the savings will be greater than the initial investments.”
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