Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a federal program that provides $42 billion nationwide to expand high-speed broadband access. BEAD was funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is overseen by the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA). BEAD prioritizes unserved locations that have no internet access or limited access under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations that only have access under 100/20 Mbps.
Indiana was awarded $868 million in BEAD funds to ensure that every Indiana resident has access to high-speed, reliable, affordable broadband access.
The Indiana Broadband Office is planning and currently determining exactly how BEAD funds will be spent in the state. The first step towards this planning is the drafting and submission of the Initial Proposal, a document that contains two volumes and describes how the Indiana Broadband Office will determine which addresses, called broadband serviceable locations (BSLs), in Indiana are eligible for these funds and how funds will be allocated and awarded to Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Each volume of the Initial Proposal will be posted online for a 30-day public comment period.
BEAD Challenge Process
The Indiana Broadband Office is preparing for the BEAD Challenge Process. Indiana’s Challenge Process will begin on March 4, 2024, and all challenges must be submitted within a 30-day window. Challenges will be accepted until April 3, 2024. See what you can do to prepare for the Challenge Process.
Challenge Process Webinars Announced
Prior to the Challenge Process commencing, the IBO will be hosting two webinars on February 6 and 8, 2024, to provide comprehensive guidance on how to participate in the Challenge Process.
BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 2 is Posted
The Indiana Broadband Office’s Initial Proposal Volume 2 was available for public comment until December 3, 2023.
This document adheres to NTIA guidelines, which are available for review here.
Download Initial Proposal Vol 2
We want to hear your questions and comments!
The Indiana Broadband Office’s public comment period for the Initial Proposal has concluded, but your questions can still be answered. We encourage Indiana residents, community organizations, businesses, local units of government, and other groups to review the Initial Proposal and email IndianaBroadband@iot.in.gov with any questions.
Initial Proposal Volume 1
Initial Proposal Volume 1 is available to download. It has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
This document adheres to NTIA guidelines, which are available for review here.
BEAD Five-Year Plan
IBO has submitted the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Plan plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to show how the state of Indiana can best incorporate digital equity into broadband planning.
Download the Plan