Indiana receives approval for initial proposal in federal broadband access program

WASHINGTON D.C. — The state of Indiana’s initial proposals for its Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program, have officially been approved by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

According to a news release from NTIA, the approval allows the state of Indiana to request access for funding for the BEAD program. The state can also begin to implement the program as a whole.

The state of Indiana received more than $868 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed internet networks to help connect Hoosiers with affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. Overall, the BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized through the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Joe Biden.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in Indiana, and all across America, has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. “Congratulations to the team in Indiana. We look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in the state is connected.”

Officials said that BEAD-eligible entities are required to submit an initial proposal for NTIA’s approval with details on how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation. The entities, including Indiana, submitted their proposals in December 2023.

“Since day one, our goal has always been to provide all Hoosiers with reliable and affordable broadband coverage,” Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb said in the release. “In today’s digitally dependent world, broadband connectivity can be a lifeline for residents and better connect communities to the wider world of commerce and communication. The BEAD, in conjunction with our state and local programming, will continue provide those needed connections to our still underserved areas.”

Officials said that once deployment goals are met, any funding that remains can be used on high-speed internet adoption, training, workforce development efforts and other eligible uses. A year after the initial proposal is approved, states are required to submit a final proposal.

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