Biden-Harris Administration Approves Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont's “Internet for All” Initial Proposal

Three States Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $1.6 Billion

WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont's Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration's "Internet for All" initiative.

This approval enables Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program-a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President's goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

Today's action allows states to request:

• Montana: Over $628 Million
• Oklahoma: Over $797 Million
• Vermont: Over $228 Million

"In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that everyone in Montana, Oklahoma, Vermont, and across the country have access to quality, affordable high- speed Internet," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Congratulations to the teams in Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the states is connected."

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The states, territories and Washington D.C. were allocated funding to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.

Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.

"Today, Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the Montana, Oklahoma, and Vermont State Broadband Offices for developing strong proposals for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service."

BEAD-eligible entities-the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia-are required to submit for NTIA's approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.

NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories' Initial Proposal.

NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.

One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.

Here's what stakeholders are saying about the announcement:

Vermont

"High-speed internet must be treated as a fundamental and essential public utility for everyone," said Senator Sanders. "It is central to the basic functions of families, students and businesses; access to health care depends on it; small businesses cannot exist without it. Yet too many people in our state lack access to an internet connection or cannot afford the options available. I am pleased that, with this approval, we will begin to provide quality broadband to working families and hard-to-reach pockets of Vermont that have gone without internet for too long. I look forward to seeing the remainder of this historic federal investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was passed in the Senate in August 2021, bring affordable internet to every corner of our state."

"High-speed Internet isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. But right now, there are more than 33,000 homes, small businesses and farms in Vermont that don't have access to a high-speed connection and are being left behind in the digital transformation. Thanks to the work of the Biden-Harris Administration and Congress's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - which I was proud to help pass - Vermont is on its way to accessing nearly $230 million to build out broadband across the state. This will connect rural communities and ensure all Vermonters have access to the technology, skills and tools needed to participate in today's digital economy," said Senator Peter Welch. "Today's announcement by the NTIA and the Department of Commerce is welcome and exciting news, and is a step forward in our coordinated effort to get Vermont connected."

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Internet for All

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration's high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.

About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.

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