The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program aims to help residents and businesses gain access to affordable high-speed internet through investments in broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and adoption activities. Visit the BEAD Program webpage for details on program guidelines, how to apply, eligibility requirements, funding uses, and resources available for application creation.
The BEAD application process will consist of two grant periods. Application Period One closed Friday, February 7, 2025, and PBDA will now begin Application Review Period One. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered for a grant award. Within these application periods, subsequent Broadband Serviceable Areas (BSAs) will be evaluated. The total number of project areas will be reduced for Application Period Two based on the awarded areas from the first period.
Please review the BEAD guidelines.
This webinar covers the overview and purpose of BEAD, the application procedure and timeline, eligibility, the “extremely high cost per location” threshold, and grant awards. Reference the BEAD Program Overview 1 PDF for more information.
The BEAD webinar covers workforce development, affordability requirements, and application evaluation and scoring. Reference the BEAD Program Overview 2 PDF for more information.
This webinar covers Broadband Ready Communities (BBRC), permitting, Letters of Credit, Affidavits and other required forms, eligible locations determinations, and next steps. Reference the BEAD Program Overview 3 PDF for more information.
This video will provide an overview of the Electronic Single Application (ESA) system and how to apply for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.
PUC
NTIA
ArcGIS Pro Permitting and Environmental Information Tool (APPEIT) Project Package – Home
ArcGIS Pro Permitting and Environmental Information Tool (APPEIT) Project Package – Overview
If you have any questions about the BEAD program you may contact us at ra-dcpbda_bead@pa.gov
