Brightspeed has announced it secured more than $222 million in BEAD program grants across six states as part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment initiative.
The awards will support Brightspeed’s fiber-expansion plan, aiming to reach about 73,709 homes and businesses within the program footprint.
Wisconsin accounts for the largest portion of the BEAD funding, receiving nearly $135 million to connect more than 44,000 locations in the state.
Other states receiving BEAD funds include Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, with Brightspeed noting funding will extend service to additional communities.
CEO Michel Combes said Brightspeed is not finished pursuing BEAD opportunities, while Brightspeed Broadband Office Vice President Pamela Sherwood described the funding as a “game-changing victory” for communities in Brightspeed’s footprint: “For families and business owners, fast, affordable and reliable internet isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.”
Brightspeed said it currently operates in 20 states and remains committed to expanding access to ultra-fast internet across its service areas.
