<div>Big news for broadband in Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa! The <a href="https://www.internetforall.gov/news-media/biden-harris-administration-approves-idaho-north-dakota-and-american-samoas-internet-all" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">NTIA just gave the greenlight</a> to all three of the Initial Proposals Vols. 1-2 for BEAD. With over $750 million in funding now unlocked, these “eligible entities” can start closing the digital divide and moving forward with plans to expand affordable, high-speed internet access.Here’s how the funding breaks down:<ul><li>Idaho: Over $583 million</li><li>North Dakota: Over $130 million</li><li>American Samoa: Over $37 million</li></ul>These approvals mean the three regions can now move from the planning phase to actually deploying or upgrading high-speed networks, which is huge for communities still struggling with reliable access.For a little context, BEAD is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s larger “Internet for All” push, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It’s a $42.45 billion grant program designed to help every state, territory, and D.C. get all their residents connected to high-quality, affordable internet. And this isn’t just about building infrastructure—funding left over after network deployment can be used for digital literacy training and workforce development, making it a comprehensive approach.U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who oversees the program, said this funding is essential for jobs, healthcare, and education, and it’s all thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Alan Davidson, NTIA’s head, also praised the local broadband teams in Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa for their efforts.And there’s special significance for American Samoa. Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted the need for reliable broadband in their local economy and healthcare, pointing out how federal investment is crucial for keeping up with the modern digital world.These approvals mark an important step, but it's just the beginning. Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa still need to submit their Final Proposals within a year, outlining how they’ll allocate the funds and select subgrantees to execute the work. Once that’s done, they can fully roll out their projects and ensure everyone gets connected.What do you think about this latest BEAD milestone? Is this a sign that the program is picking up steam? Feel free to chime in with your thoughts!</div>

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Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa win NTIA approval on BEAD Initial Proposals Vols. 1-2

<div>It’s not just about BEAD funding, as some of the savvy State Broadband Offices and directors know well. Look at Idaho, where Ramón Hobdey-Sánchez, program manager of Idaho Broadband, and colleagues at the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) have managed to allocate $120 million from the $10 billion <a href="https://broadband.money/broadband-grant-terms/capital-projects-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Capital Projects Fund </a>passed in the wake of COVID-19, toward 18 broadband initiatives. <a href="https://www.fiercetelecom.com/broadband/idaho-pours-120m-statewide-broadband-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fierce Telecom</a> has the report: “The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) has allocated $120 million from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund to support 18 broadband initiatives across the state. That investment is set to benefit over 30,000 homes and businesses in Idaho… Two of the biggest winners in the grant round were counties in the state. Latah County's Dark Fiber Network pocketed $15 million, and Madison County was awarded around $13.6 million.Idaho County and Jerome County also each received more than $10 million.Other winners included Ziply Fiber, which received over $10 million across two locations, as well as Comcast, Whitecloud Communications, Fybercom, Intermax Networks, MiFiber, Kaniksu, Custer Telephone Cooperative and Whitecloud Communications.”Read the <a href="https://www.fiercetelecom.com/broadband/idaho-pours-120m-statewide-broadband-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full report</a> and learn where Idaho is in planning for its $538 million BEAD grants, as well. </div>

Idaho allocates $120M in Capital Projects Funding toward 18 broadband projects 

Ramón S. Hobdey-Sánchez

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Carl Franzen

Carl Franzen

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Idaho, North Dakota, and American Samoa win NTIA approval on BEAD Initial Proposals Vols. 1-2

Idaho allocates $120M in Capital Projects Funding toward 18 broadband projects

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