Brightspeed’s $238 Million in Grants includes BEAD Funds

Brightspeed Praise for BEAD Expanding Rural Broadband

Brightspeed CEO Tom Maguire praised broadband grant programs like BEAD for enabling network expansion in hard-to-reach areas.

“When we launched in 2022, we committed to connecting over four million homes and businesses. Every grant helps us go further,” Maguire stated. He emphasized that BEAD funding makes rural projects financially feasible.

Brightspeed remains focused on its mission to “bridge the digital divide,” providing fiber internet to rural areas where reliable connectivity supports work, education, and healthcare.

Brightspeed’s Public Funding

Brightspeed secured $238 million in public funding from diverse sources:

• Federal Funds: BEAD program funding aims for equitable broadband access nationwide.
• State Contributions: States like Louisiana contribute to infrastructure projects.
• Local Municipalities: Grants from local governments target specific connectivity projects.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with private partners accelerate broadband deployment.

Funding Allocations by State

The funding will impact numerous states, with significant investments including:

• Alabama: ~$597,000 – over 1,000 locations
• Arkansas: $470,000 – 580 homes/businesses
• Indiana: $5.5 million – nearly 3,300 locations
• Kansas: ~$474,000 – over 550 locations
• Louisiana: ~$270,000 and $7.5 million (BEAD) – 3,200+ premises
• Michigan: $774,000 – nearly 390 locations
• North Carolina: ~$180 million – over 80,000 locations
• Ohio: $12.3 million – nearly 5,900 locations
• South Carolina: $3.8 million – nearly 5,200 locations
• Tennessee: $6.8 million – 2,800 locations
• Texas: $2.3 million – nearly 5,000 locations
• Virginia: $5.6 million – nearly 3,500 homes/businesses
• Wisconsin: ~$11.9 million – over 8,400 locations

Transforming Communities

This funding will transform underserved areas by improving access to telehealth, online education, and remote work. Enhanced connectivity is expected to drive economic growth, attract businesses, and create jobs in construction, technology, and maintenance sectors.

Pamela Sherwood, Brightspeed’s Vice President, emphasized, “Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.”

Looking Ahead: The BEAD Program

With $42.45 billion allocated, the BEAD program is central to closing the digital divide. Brightspeed’s progress underscores the program’s importance in connecting underserved communities, setting the stage for a transformative year in broadband expansion.