As the United States prepares for billions of dollars to make their way to communities for broadband deployment, state broadband offices are developing plans that will determine where funding is allocated. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) published a dashboard showing where states are in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) planning process. NTIA also lists state plans available for comment and correlating due dates.
All states and territories must submit Volume I and Volume II of their Initial Proposal by December 27, 2023. Louisiana is the first state to complete both volumes of the Initial Proposal, one of which is still undergoing NTIA review. 12 states and territories have not started the Initial Proposal process. Importantly, states are not only required to submit their Initial Proposal to NTIA for approval, but also to offer their plans for 30 day public comment periods.
Local governments and community-based organizations have important insight into potential broadband partners, notable deployment and adoption barriers, and service gaps. Sharing stories, data, and ideas with state leadership not only strengthens planning, but also offers a pathway into ongoing collaboration. While broadband plans are an important first step, coordination and partnership transform plans into sustainable long-term strategies.
Next Century Cities’ State Broadband and Digital Equity Plans page is designed to help community leaders see where their state or territory is in the process, review existing plans, and identify opportunities to participate in the public engagement process. For assistance submitting comments, please contact NCC’s Senior Policy Counsel for Local & State Initiatives, Corian Zacher, corian@nextcenturycities.org.
NTIA Plan Guidance:
