NTIA Approves Volume Two of Iowa’s BEAD Proposal
The approval enables Iowa to begin implementing its BEAD program
The approval enables Iowa to begin implementing its BEAD program
Oct. 7, 2024 - The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved Friday Volume Two of Iowa’s initial proposal for funding under the Biden Administration’s signature broadband expansion program.
NTIA allocated the state more than $415 million to expand affordable and high-speed broadband service to unserved and underserved communities under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The Volume Two approval of the state’s initial proposal will enable it to request access to funds and begin building out broadband infrastructure statewide.
Iowa joined 50 other eligible entities in receiving initial proposal approval. According to the NTIA’s BEAD progress dashboard, five entities have yet to receive final approval.
As part of the state’s BEAD implementation program, Iowa’s Department of Management is hosting a webinar for prospective applicants on Oct. 17.
Kaptivate analysis finds some states’ references to rural America dropped 80 to 100 percent
Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Utah had their final proposals approved.
The approval follows recent elections where two Democrats won seats on the commission. Those Democrats oppose the plan but don't take office until January.
Lawmakers are considering how best to reform the fund.
Member discussion