Governor Phil Scott today thanked the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approving Vermont’s $100 million proposal to use Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to extend access to reliable, high speed, and affordable broadband services to areas where it currently does not exist.
BEAD, a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, sets the goal of connecting every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships within states to build infrastructure.
Vermont’s proposal, which has been approved by the NTIA, will result in more than 99 percent of households having access to affordable, high-speed internet services.
“This is a major milestone for many of our rural towns and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen and revitalize communities,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I want to thank Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arielle Roth and her team at NTIA for their leadership of this complex federal initiative, Vermont’s congressional delegation for their support of this important program, and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for developing and administering Vermont’s approved plan.”
“Congratulations to Vermont on the approval of its BEAD Final Proposal,” said Roth. “Subject to effective oversight, the Green Mountain State is positioned to deliver universal connectivity throughout the state. I look forward to monitoring Vermont’s progress as we work to deliver on the promise of connecting Vermont and the country.”
Projects funded through BEAD will deliver broadband that meets or exceeds the federal performance standard of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. The program provides funding to all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia to deploy or upgrade broadband infrastructure and ensure access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet service. States were required to submit Initial and Final Proposals to NTIA describing how they will use BEAD funds to serve all eligible locations. BEAD requires recipients to finish the work within four years of the grant award.
More information about Vermont’s BEAD and ongoing broadband efforts can be found on the VCBB’s VT-BEAD webpage.