Washington State BEAD Program Receives 307 Bids
Washington State has made significant progress in its first round of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The state received 307 applications from various stakeholders, including internet service providers (ISPs), tribal entities, counties, and public utility districts. These applications cover 77% of the state’s eligible project areas, targeting approximately 214,000 homes and businesses that currently lack adequate connectivity.
The BEAD program, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is a federal initiative with a $42.45 billion allocation to expand high-speed internet nationwide. Washington State has been granted $1.2 billion from this fund, to its Internet for All initiative. The goal of both programs is to enhance broadband infrastructure and promote digital equity across the state.
Washington is the latest state to announce its first round bidding for BEAD contracts, following Louisiana in January and Arkansas earlier this month.
High Participation and Competitive Bidding
The first application round closed on January 31, 2025, marking a crucial step in Washington’s efforts to provide broadband access for all. The overwhelming number of applications signals a strong commitment from local entities. Nearly half of the eligible locations received multiple bids, fostering competition, which is expected to drive higher-quality service and cost efficiency in project implementation.
In a statement,Joe Nguyen, the Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm over the strong participation said:
“The incredible interest in this round of funding makes it clear that people all over Washington want access to fast and reliable internet.”
Joe Nguyen, the Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce
Future BEAD Rounds for Full Coverage
To ensure complete broadband access, Washington plans two additional rounds of applications to address locations that did not receive qualifying bids in the first phase. The dates for these rounds will be announced after the current applications are reviewed. This phased approach ensures comprehensive coverage and addresses gaps in connectivity.
Debate Over Prioritizing Fiber-Optic Lines
The BEAD program emphasizes fiber-optic infrastructure due to its high reliability and speed. However, this preference has been a topic of debate. Arielle Roth, a former NTIA leader, and Senator Ted Cruz have criticized the program’s fiber emphasis, arguing that states should have more flexibility in choosing broadband solution.
However, states have the authority to approve non-fiber projects in areas where fiber deployment may be impractical or too expensive.
Washington’s Strategic Planning for Broadband Expansion
To guide broadband expansion efforts, the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) has developed a Five-Year Action Plan and a State Digital Equity Plan. These strategies focus on:
Ensuring universal access to reliable, high-speed internet
Investing in digital equity programs to provide resources and training for residents
Encouraging public involvement to tailor solutions to community needs
Community Engagement and Training Initiatives
Washington has prioritized public engagement and transparency in its broadband expansion. The WSBO has hosted training sessions to help stakeholders navigate the BEAD application process. Additionally, the office holds bi-monthly webinars to provide updates and answer questions related to broadband initiatives.
Conclusion
Washington State’s first round of bods on BEAD funding is off to a strong start. The high level of participation from providers and local entities demonstrates is a positive sign, as the years-long initiative begins to take shape. With additional funding rounds and planning, Washington is on track to achieve the goads of BEAD; statewide broadband access.
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