Nevada’s Plans $327 Million In Broadband Expansions

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has announced a new round of broadband funding that will deliver high-speed internet to nearly 50,000 homes, businesses, and community institutions. The investment totals $327 million, combining $174 million in BEAD funds, $99 million from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, and additional Capital Projects Fund dollars.

Phase III of the High-Speed Nevada Initiative

This funding represents Phase III of Nevada’s High-Speed Nevada Initiative. The program is designed to extend reliable internet service to unserved and underserved areas across the state. Many of Nevada’s rural communities still lack adequate coverage, creating gaps in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

By consolidating federal and state resources, Nevada is pursuing a coordinated approach to reach the most difficult-to-serve locations.

Competitive Bidding Process

The Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT) managed the awards through a competitive process. Over the last 13 months, OSIT evaluated more than 2,700 applications from 21 providers, ultimately selecting a mix of companies to carry out construction.

Awardees include:

• Valley Electric Association / Valley Broadband – awarded $3.89 million
• Amazon Kuiper Commercial Services
• AT&T
• Cox Communications
• Beehive Broadband
• Reno-Sparks Indian Colony
• Stimulus Technologies
• WeLink Communications
• SpaceX (Starlink)

The list reflects both large national carriers and smaller regional and cooperative providers, ensuring coverage through a combination of fiber, hybrid coax, fixed wireless, and satellite.

Timeline and Next Steps for Nevada Broadband

The state’s BEAD proposal now awaits approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), expected by the end of 2025. Once approved, network construction will begin and is projected to continue for four years.

OSIT Director Brian Mitchell emphasized the long-term impact: “Broadband is essential for economic development, public safety, work, education, health care, and opportunity. The investments we’re making today will pay dividends for decades.”

Broader Impact

The expansion is designed to fill gaps in areas where private investment has been limited due to cost or geography. By targeting unserved and underserved locations, Nevada is addressing longstanding disparities in digital access and ensuring that more residents can participate fully in the modern economy.

With $327 million in combined state and federal funding, Nevada is moving forward on one of its largest infrastructure projects in recent years. The initiative reflects both the scale of the state’s broadband challenge and its commitment to closing coverage gaps over the next several years.