18 April 2025 |

COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina is nearing a major milestone in its quest to close the digital divide, with just 1.1% of residential and 2.9% of business Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) left unserved or underserved across the state.

The South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) announced this week that only 28,724 locations remain without a reliable high-speed internet connection or a committed investment for one — a dramatic reduction from over 300,000 in 2021. Of the remaining locations, 21,466 are residential, 5,469 are businesses, and 1,789 are Community Anchor Institutions, such as libraries, schools, and healthcare centers.

This progress is paving the way for South Carolina to become one of the first states in the nation to comprehensively close the digital divide — thanks to a combination of strategic funding, innovative planning, and collaborative public-private partnerships.

BEAD Funding

The next step in this transformative journey will be funded through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, with $546.5 million allocated to South Carolina by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). These funds are expected to support the final push in connecting every last BSL.

“South Carolina is leading the charge in broadband expansion, bringing the internet to hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses, and communities,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Through strategic investments and an innovative approach, we have made remarkable progress in just a few short years – and we will work to continue this momentum to ensure South Carolinians have the connectivity needed to thrive in today’s world.”

the South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) administers the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program. The SCBBO operates under the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) and is responsible for overseeing broadband expansion efforts across the state

the South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) administers the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program. The SCBBO operates under the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) and is responsible for overseeing broadband expansion efforts across the state

South Carolina’s broadband success is largely attributed to the SCBBO’s agile methodology — an approach inspired by the tech industry — which breaks down large-scale infrastructure goals into manageable, quickly executed projects. By using $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in multiple tranches and awarding 128 grants to 19 different Internet Service Providers, the SCBBO accelerated deployment and ensured accountability at every stage.

Praise from Elected Leaders

“The agile methodology is central to the success of today’s software industry, and it turns out that it works phenomenally well for broadband deployment, too,” said Jim Stritzinger, Director of the SCBBO. “Nearly all of these newly constructed locations now have access to fiber, and we’re not slowing down.”

To bridge the final gap before BEAD funding kicks in, the SCBBO is re-investing unspent funds from under-budget ARPA projects to quickly connect more locations. As each project wraps up, eligible BSLs are removed from the BEAD scope — speeding up the process for those still waiting.

U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, a longtime advocate for digital equity, praised the progress:
“Every family in South Carolina deserves access to affordable, high-speed internet. Today’s announcement shows how South Carolina is carving a path as a national leader in closing the rural-urban divide. BEAD is the final piece of the puzzle. This investment is essential for the competitiveness of the entire state and to make sure no rural community is left behind.”

With BEAD’s main application phase on the horizon, South Carolina is poised to become a national model for broadband deployment. The final stretch is within reach — and for the Palmetto State, universal internet access is no longer a dream, but an imminent reality.

For more information about South Carolina’s broadband programs, visit ors.sc.gov/broadband.

More on Public Broadband

More of our recent stories about BEAD and public broadband programs

For up-to-date information on the $42 billion BEAD Program, check Brander Group’s BEAD funding progress dashboard

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Tags: BEAD Funds, BEAD program, Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program, broadband expansion, Fiber Internet, Internet for All, ISPs, Rural Internet,

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