Alabama Finalizes $800 Million BEAD Broadband Plan

ADECA’s Proposal for High-Speed Internet to 101,000 Locations

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has formally submitted the state’s final Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval — marking the final step before project funding is released.

Once approved, Alabama will extend reliable broadband to more than 101,000 unserved and underserved locations statewide, ensuring 100% coverage for every BEAD-eligible address.

“Expanding access to high-speed internet has been one of my top priorities since taking office,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “This plan allows us to secure broadband access for all eligible Alabama addresses while saving taxpayers more than $800 million.”

Smart Cost Efficiency and Provider Mix

Through competitive bidding and close coordination with NTIA, ADECA achieved a per-location cost of $5,100, significantly undercutting the original $1.4 billion budget allocation. About 75% of deployments will be wired, while 25% will rely on low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite service in areas where fiber or fixed-wireless would exceed cost thresholds.

This hybrid approach aims to balance scalability with fiscal responsibility — ensuring coverage for rural households, small businesses, and farms without over-building existing infrastructure.

Public-Private Partnership Model

Proposed awardees include a mix of national internet service providers and local cooperatives, reflecting Alabama’s goal to keep broadband investment rooted in local communities. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell emphasized that the plan includes “a robust monitoring program” to guarantee that all projects meet federal performance standards and are completed on time and on budget.

What It Means for the Broadband Industry

Alabama’s model demonstrates how careful negotiation and public-private collaboration can maximize BEAD efficiency. As more states finalize their proposals, the balance between wired coverage, wireless flexibility, and fiscal restraint will shape the future of rural broadband deployment.

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