Colorado among the first to implement historic broadband investment

The State’s grant program to award Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment funding is now accepting applications

Coloradans are closer to universal high-speed broadband coverage. Governor Polis and the Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) are excited to announce that Colorado is among the first states to open a state-managed grant program, Advance Colorado Broadband, to accept applications for this historic BEAD funding.

Colorado is receiving $826.5 million from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) federal program to improve internet connections for Coloradans who lack access to high-speed, reliable broadband. Colorado will invest BEAD funding into critical infrastructure projects, primarily in rural areas, to build reliable, low-cost broadband networks that support work, education, healthcare and tourism in every Colorado community.

“We are working to ensure that every Coloradan has access to reliable, low-cost broadband and this funding will help us achieve universal coverage. This investment will help create thousands of jobs in Colorado, and thousands more across the country,” said Governor Polis. “Being one of the first to open this funding positions us ahead of other states and territories, and will lead to Colorado completing projects faster.”

“Too many Coloradans – especially those who live in rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color – still lack access to affordable high-speed internet,” said Senator Michael Bennet. “That’s why I fought to include historic funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to close the digital divide and help every family participate in modern American life. I encourage all internet service providers, including electric co-ops, nonprofits, and local governments, to apply for this $826 million in funding so we can bring every family, small business, and community online.”

The State’s priority for BEAD (https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program) funding is to connect unserved and underserved locations. Fiber is ideal because it offers the most reliable connection but the CBO will review every application to find the best fit for each community’s unique needs and obstacles.

“Colorado’s unique blend of mountainous terrain and rural plains encourage creative solutions and collaboration,” said Brandy Reitter, CBO executive director. “While fiber is ideal, we will evaluate every application and consider a variety of technologies to find the best solution for each community.”

Eligibility is determined by Colorado’s BEAD Eligible Location List, which was developed using the FCC’s National Broadband Map and an NTIA-approved challenge process that allowed Tribes, providers and communities to help determine exactly who in Colorado lacked adequate broadband.

The National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) is managing the unprecedented $42.5 billion federal investment in broadband connectivity across the U.S. from the BEAD program, part of the Biden Administration’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.