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. 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 based on the award areas anticipated to come from the first period.
Please review the BEAD guidelines.
The PBDA will be holding upcoming office hour sessions to answer any questions you might have about the BEAD Program.
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.
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.
If you have any questions about the BEAD program you may contact us at ra-dcpbda_bead@pa.gov
