State receives federal OK to deploy $1.4B broadband expansion plan

MONTGOMERY — Alabama’s proposal for deploying $1.4 billion in funds to further expand high-speed internet has received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, according to Gov. Kay Ivey’s office.

The funding, which comes through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, or BEAD, was initially announced in 2023.

As part of the federal requirements, Alabama and the other states submitted proposals for deploying the BEAD funds to reach areas that are currently unserved. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will be the administering agency for the funds and submitted the plan on behalf of the state.

“From the beginning, my goal to expand access to high-speed internet to every area of Alabama has been a team effort, and our plan to utilize these substantial BEAD funds to close the gap in broadband coverage is no different,” Ivey said. “ADECA, lawmakers, local leaders, and internet service providers each play a valuable role to ensure all of Alabama is connected.

“I commend all our partners in the approval of the plan and look forward to rolling out this funding in 2025.”

The next phase begins next year in a process to receive applications from internet service providers for projects to reach households and businesses currently unserved by high-speed internet in all 67 counties. The funds will focus on “last-mile” projects that provide connections to homes and businesses so that they can become customers of the internet service provider.

“High-speed broadband internet access is key to the success of students, families, small businesses, and industries across our nation. With continued state-federal and public-private partnerships making strategic investments in closing the digital divide, more Alabamians will have the opportunity to achieve their American Dream,” said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt. “I appreciate the leadership of Governor Ivey and ADECA in advancing this tailored plan for our state. I’ve always said we need to put Alabama first, and Governor Ivey is doing just that.

“I look forward to seeing how increased connectivity elevates our state and our communities long into the future.”

ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division is also managing funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund for grant programs to help internet service providers extend service to previously unserved or underserved areas. The funds are focused on permanent fiber infrastructure for broadband expansion.

Since 2018, Ivey has awarded conditionally awarded grants totaling more than $500 million in state and federal funds to support more than 200 projects that, once finished will connect an estimated 140,000 more households, businesses and community anchor institutions like schools, libraries and government facilities.

“ADECA has worked hard with our many partners to complete the plan to deploy the BEAD program funds in Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “We are excited to clear this hurdle and to get started on the next phase in our journey toward Gov. Ivey’s goal of internet access for all Alabamians.”