Washington State Department of Commerce’s Post

Been diving into the latest insights on state-level broadband funding programs this week and wanted to share with the broadband community.  It's clear that to win those BEAD grants, there are a few crucial things to keep in mind: 🎯 Focus on 3 Key Areas: When crafting applications, emphasize keeping your requested funding low, your pricing competitive, and your labor practices top-notch.  These will be heavily weighted in most states! 🎯 Tailor Your Applications: Don't just rely on the federal guidelines – dig into each state's specific requirements as they can vary significantly. 🎯 It's About Efficiency: Show how your project does the most with the least amount of public funding -  the 'bang for the buck' matters! Here are the key takeaways from 3 key states:  🌵Arizona *Mature Program: Arizona has an established broadband office and has already completed multiple rounds of funding, including a portion of its Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocation. *BEAD Focus: The state is fully focused on the BEAD program, potentially pausing other grant programs for now. *Challenges Ongoing: Providers should be aware the BEAD challenge process is happening now, offering opportunities to refine eligible areas. 🌅 Florida *Rapid Growth: Florida's broadband efforts are relatively new but expanding quickly, with dedicated funding and a specific office created in recent years. *Multiple Programs: The state has several active grant programs, including those utilizing SLFRF and Capital Projects Fund (CPF) dollars. *BEAD Lagging: Florida is one of the few states with no NTIA approval on its Initial Proposal, causing some delay. 🌶️ New Mexico *Newer Program: New Mexico has a recently established broadband office and strategic plan, indicating a strong commitment to expanding access. *Pilot to Larger Program: The state successfully completed a Connect New Mexico Pilot Program, serving as a precursor to larger BEAD-focused initiatives. *Challenges Open: New Mexico's BEAD challenge process is currently active. Let's make this a great leap forward in connecting communities!  #broadband #grantfunding #community #sonarsoftware #BEAD #broadbandforall

Are you ready to apply for grants but don't know where to start? We have done the research and created a downloadable comprehensive funding one-pager. From registration to submission, our one pager provides step-by-step guidance on the application process with linkable resources. You’ll be equipped with all the necessary tools and knowledge, making grant acquisition an achievable milestone. When Applying for a Grant, Remember: ✔️ Thoroughly research available grants to find one that aligns with your project's objectives. ✔️ Understand the grant's specific focus, eligibility criteria, and objectives. ✔️ Pay close attention to application guidelines, deadlines, and required documents, and make sure your proposal meets all the requirements. Start your grant application with confidence! Download your FUNDING ONE-PAGER: https://hubs.li/Q02hs6lh0 #IntelligentTransport #LocalGov #CityPlanning #Funding

The BEAD program is a significant step toward closing the digital divide and bringing reliable internet to communities across the U.S. Let’s break it down by the numbers: $42.5 billion in total funding to support broadband expansion 14 to 19 million households in America still lack any broadband access 20 to 24 million Americans have broadband but don’t meet the FCC’s minimum speed standard The goal: Nationwide reliable broadband access by 2030 This initiative is critical not just for connectivity, but for economic growth, education, and digital equity. Ensuring underserved and unserved communities get the support they need is a complex task. The BEAD program encourages partnership as we all work together to support those in need in our communities. Lionheart Advisors offers support to help organizations navigate the BEAD process—from securing funding to project management and compliance. Let’s work together to meet the goal of nationwide access by 2030! #BroadbandExpansion #DigitalEquity #GrantFunding #InfrastructureDevelopment #BEADFunding #LionheartAdvisors

California Opens BEAD Map Challenge Process The state's challenge phase will last 30 days. July 10, 2024 – California's challenge phase for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program officially opened on Monday and will continue through August 6. During this phase, local and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and internet service providers in the state can challenge the state’s broadband coverage map by submitting evidence that it is not accurate through an online portal. Entities can identify specific locations that may not be accurately represented as unserved, underserved, or served. The BEAD program requires states to map broadband connectivity and allocate funds to connect all unserved or underserved addresses. The challenge phase is the first stage in a five-stage, 120-day process to complete broadband coverage maps. The following stages include evidentiary review by the California Public Utilities Commission, rebuttal by challenged service providers, final determination of disputes, and submission of results to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration by the Commission. California was awarded $1.86 billion through BEAD allocations. It has not yet received NTIA approval of its initial proposal.

The next phase of the BEAD Program is underway. Beginning today local governments, Tribal communities, nonprofits, internet service providers, cooperatives and other entities may submit Prequalification Applications for the state’s largest funding program to deploy broadband infrastructure. BEAD applicants must submit a Prequalification Application in order to apply for BEAD funding. The state will be awarding $675 million in grants through the federal government’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Entities that want to build infrastructure for unserved communities may begin to submit prequalification applications to OBAE. These applications will help the state determine whether an entity has the technical capability and financial stability to deploy broadband and meet federal and state requirements. The regular prequalification process ends November 1 at 11:59pm. However, there is a Priority Deadline: if an entity submits a prequalification application by October 14 at 11:59pm, it will get an accelerated review and complete applications will receive a decision by November 1. For more information about BEAD, state and federal requirements and the prequalification process, go to Connect.nm.gov OBAE will decide whether an entity can move forward with a formal application by using the following criteria: Financial capabilities Managerial capabilities Technical capabilities Legal and regulatory compliance Operational capabilities Ownership Stewardship of other public funding Once prequalification applications are evaluated and approved, entities will formally apply for their suggested broadband projects based on broadband-dry areas. Both the state and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration must approve the final applications. If you have any questions, please contact OBAE at: Broadband@connect.nm.gov

Who Can Apply for BEAD Funding in Pennsylvania? The Pennsylvania BEAD application window is fast approaching, and understanding who qualifies to apply is critical. Eligible applicants include: •Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Both large and small, as long as they are registered with the FCC. •Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government entities and private companies with the technical knowledge and ability to deploy broadband infrastructure. •Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations that focus on technology, infrastructure development, or digital equity are eligible. •Local Governments: Municipalities and counties that want to expand broadband within their jurisdictions. •Utility Companies: Electric cooperatives, water authorities, and other utilities can leverage their existing infrastructure to deploy broadband. To qualify, your organization must demonstrate financial capability and have the technical expertise to design, build, and maintain broadband networks. Is your organization ready to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities? Now’s the time to start preparing! #PABEAD #BEADFunding #BroadbandExpansion #DigitalInclusion #DIW2024 #LionheartAdvisors #GrantFunding

📢 BEAD Funding Update: Progress, Debates, and State Initiatives 📢 The BEAD program is heating up! 🔥 While 7 states and D.C. have received the green light to launch their grant programs, the debate over mandatory low-cost plan pricing is creating a stir. Virginia's resistance to a fixed price ceiling has sparked a broader conversation about balancing federal guidance with state flexibility in broadband deployment. Here are three key takeaways from the latest developments: 💰 Price Ceiling Controversy: The debate over whether states should set fixed prices for low-cost plans or allow for flexible pricing models highlights the tension between federal guidelines and local autonomy in broadband deployment. US State-led Initiatives: States like Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma are forging ahead with innovative strategies to expand broadband access, leveraging BEAD and other funding sources to overcome unique challenges. 🛜 The Path Forward: Collaboration, adaptability, and a deep understanding of local needs are essential to bridging the digital divide and creating a truly connected future for all. 🤔 A key question emerges: Should states be required to set fixed prices for low-cost plans, or should they have the autonomy to determine what's truly affordable for their communities? Several states, particularly in the Southeast, argue that a one-size-fits-all approach may not adequately address the unique economic realities of different regions. Meanwhile, states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma are forging ahead with their broadband initiatives. Kansas, an early recipient of Capital Project Funds, is launching its BEAD grant program with an emphasis on unserved areas and economically distressed communities. Nebraska has established a new Broadband Office to manage BEAD funds and continues to invest in its Broadband Bridge Program. Oklahoma, with ambitious goals to reach 95% broadband coverage by 2028, is leveraging ARPA funds and exploring innovative solutions to overcome its connectivity challenges. At Sonar Software, we are committed to empowering our ISP partners with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate this evolving landscape. We believe that by working together and embracing flexibility, we can achieve our shared goal of universal broadband access. #Broadband #BEAD #DigitalEquity #sonarsoftware #BroadbandForAll #DigitalDivide

++ ICANN Launches Grant Program with $10 Million Funding to Advance a Global, Inclusive Internet ++ The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the nonprofit organization that coordinates the Domain Name System (DNS), announced the ICANN Grant Program, which will make millions of dollars in funding available to develop projects that support the growth of a single, open and globally interoperable Internet. ICANN is opening an application cycle for the first $10 million in grants in March 2024. "With the rapid evolution of emerging technologies, businesses and security models, it is critical that the Internet’s unique identifier systems continue to evolve. The ICANN Grant Program offers a new avenue to further those efforts by investing in projects that are committed to and support ICANN’s vision of a single, open and globally interoperable Internet that fosters inclusion amongst a broad, global community of users." - Sally Costerton, Interim President and CEO, ICANN #techafricanews #africa #grant #program #project #development #global #interoperable #investment #community

Funding from federal grants can be a powerful tool to make a significant impact in your community and among those your organization serves. It can be a catalyst for further investment at a level otherwise unattainable.     But they have notoriously difficult reporting requirements.     With proper planning and preparation, your organization can manage federal funds, conduct federally supported programming, and create an extraordinary impact in your communities, and on the world.    Check out this blog post from Rachel Werner and Becky Jascoviak of RBW Strategy, LLC to learn more.

How is YOUR state rolling out their grant programs for BEAD funds? Check out these top insights from my colleague Georgette Lopez-Aguado...this is essential information for ISPs who are looking to understand grant programs to obtain funding to expand or optimize. #sonarsoftware #broadband #grantfunding #BEAD