NTIA Opens Supplemental BEAD Funding Path

The NTIA is opening another path for BEAD funding to reach locations that may have fallen through the cracks.

On September 3, the agency announced a supplemental deployment process that will allow states and territories to use BEAD savings to address locations that remain unserved because of changes since their Final Proposals were completed.

Those locations could include areas affected by defaults in other federal or state broadband programs, locations previously reported as served in FCC data, or changes to the FCC’s broadband availability data.

NTIA will conduct what it calls a final “true-up” of the FCC Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric and provide each state and territory with a Supplemental BEAD Eligible Location List.

After those lists are reviewed and approved, eligible states and territories will be able to conduct a second Benefit of the Bargain round to select providers for the newly identified locations.

The supplemental deployment process represents another use for some of the approximately $21 billion in savings generated through the revised BEAD selection process. NTIA says guidance covering other potential uses of BEAD funding will come separately.

Oregon Signs BEAD Contracts Ahead of Construction

Oregon is taking another step toward BEAD construction as the state executes contracts with broadband providers.

As of September 10, the Oregon Broadband Office said it was under contract with 13 providers, cooperatives and local governments, including Alyrica, Douglas Fast Net, Consumers Power, Pioneer Connect, Windwave and Ziply Fiber.

The list also includes the City of Sherwood, Columbia County, Gilliam County and Hood River Electric & Internet Co-Op.

Oregon says all BEAD subgrantee contracts must be signed by September 18. Most projects are expected to begin in late 2026.

NTIA approved Oregon’s Final Proposal earlier this year, moving the state from the project-selection phase into contracting and preconstruction.

The state is also providing subgrantees with guidance covering project milestones, disbursements, permitting, environmental reviews and reporting requirements as the projects move toward deployment.

North Carolina Funds Satellite Backup for Emergencies

North Carolina is turning to low-Earth-orbit satellite service as a backup for terrestrial communications during emergencies.

On September 10, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology announced a $1 million Broadband Satellite Resiliency Grant program to help public and community organizations purchase satellite internet equipment.

The program is designed to provide what the state calls “resilience in a box,” allowing organizations to maintain internet connectivity when terrestrial networks are unavailable during disasters or other emergencies.

Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, volunteer fire departments and community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries and community colleges. The funding can pay for satellite equipment and installation materials, but not ongoing internet subscriptions.

Applications are open statewide, but North Carolina will prioritize organizations in the 39 counties included in the federal Hurricane Helene disaster area, particularly those providing emergency response, disaster relief, education or economic-development services.

Applications are due September 23.

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