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1 day ago3 min read

Investing in Connectivity: Using BEAD Funding to Bridge the Digital Divide


Cell tower stands in a lush, rolling landscape of autumn trees under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and colorful rural scene.

Access to high-speed internet is no longer just a luxury—it is a necessity in today’s modern world. Broadband (otherwise known as high-speed internet) has become the standard for providing affordable and efficient access to basic amenities and services many Americans require to engage in the economy, society, and public life.  


While the internet is woven into nearly every aspect of our daily lives to connect us to healthcare, jobs, education, and entertainment alike, studies show that there is still a lack of digital inclusion in the United States. In fact, one in every five American households do not have access to reliable high-speed internet, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). 

Worker in orange vest and hard hat by a roadside trench with purple fiber cables.
One in five U.S. households do not have access to reliable high-speed internet

In response to the digital inequities highlighted during the COVID pandemic, the Biden Administration signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law in 2021 to help close the digital divide and ensure access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet for all Americans. Through this historic investment, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program was established.

 

What is the BEAD Program? 

The BEAD Program is a first-of-its-kind investment to support broadband deployment projects to unserved (no access to 25/3 Mbps) and underserved (no access to 100/20 Mbps) areas in the U.S. Through this program, $42.45 billion in funds were allocated to aid in planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs to expand high-speed internet access across all U.S. states and territories.  


How are BEAD Funds Distributed? 

Each state and territory are eligible to receive a minimum of $100M and $25M in initial funds, respectively (Minimum Initial Allocation). Additional funding will be awarded to eligible entities (states and territories) based on their number of unserved locations in high-cost areas (High-Cost Allocation). Any remaining BEAD funds will be distributed to each eligible entity only after the Minimum Initial Allocation and High-Cost Allocation funds have been subtracted from the $42.45B funding budget. 


Infographic on BEAD Funding Allocation showing Minimum Initial, High-Cost, and Remaining Funds with text and formula details, over telecom towers.

Maximize BEAD Funding with Horrocks 

Leveraging BEAD funds to their highest potential will be critical in closing the digital divide in unserved and underserved communities. At Horrocks, we offer complete BEAD planning and engineering services to help design and build new broadband networks to reach your state or territory’s BEAD goals.  


Our teams have a proven track record of assisting with a variety of services to make the most of your BEAD funds, including but not limited to: 


  • BEAD Portal Application Support 

  • Compliance Reporting 

  • Construction or Project Management 

  • Feasibility Studies 

  • Funding and Partnership Resources 

  • Grant Writing 

  • Master Planning 

  • Permitting Coordination and Oversight 

  • State Broadband Support 

  • State-Certified Preliminary and Detail Design Efforts 


Project Success: Utah Digital Connectivity Plan
As the lead consultant for technical analysis and stakeholder engagement, Horrocks successfully completed the 5-year Digital Connectivity Plan for the Utah Broadband Center. The plan identifies all broadband needs, serves as a roadmap for providing access to reliable and affordable broadband to all residents in the state, and meets federal funding requirements and deadlines.
Horrocks is available to provide guidance and expertise for internet service providers (ISPs), wireless internet service providers (WISPs), and local communities in their efforts to advance the Internet For All initiative.

Planning and Implementing Your BEAD-Funded Infrastructure 

After funding is received, Horrocks can help bring your BEAD-funded infrastructure projects to completion. Click through some of our service offerings to learn more, or visit our Telecommunications service site to learn more about our BEAD Funding Support services.




Horrocks' BEAD Expert


Smiling man with a beard wearing a red shirt, standing against a blurred blue and white background.

Blake Child Senior Telecom Designer, BEAD Specialist


Blake Child brings over 24 years of experience in Telecommunications to Horrocks. As a Senior Telecom Designer, Blake has designed over 4.3 million feet (830 miles) of fiber in his career, and has designed fiber projects to reach over 50,000 homes and businesses in 4 individual states and 5 different cities.


Our BEAD specialist at Horrocks, Blake is excited to bring broadband to people and communities that need it most and to see the impact that high-speed internet can have in changing lives for the better. Contact Blake directly for more information about how we can support BEAD by emailing blake.child@horrocks.com.

For more information about Horrocks or to request a brochure, contact us at info@horrocks.com.

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