Brightspeed Gets Over $222 Million in BEAD Grants to Expand Fiber in Six States
In a recent Brightspeed press release, the company announced it had been awarded Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program federal funding for six states. The cumulative amount in grants received in Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma is a total of $222,165,886. Brightspeed states that this will allow it to expand its multi-gig-speed fiber internet network to 73,709 homes and businesses.
“From day one, we set out with an ambitious mission: to transform connectivity for millions of Americans across 20 states by building a world-class fiber network in rural and suburban communities left behind by yesterday’s providers,” said Brightspeed Executive Chairman & CEO Michel Combes. “The BEAD program accelerates that mission, unlocking an unprecedented opportunity to deliver life-changing connections that empower families, fuel businesses and ignite local economies. And we’re only just getting started. We are actively pursuing even more BEAD funding to expand our impact in the states we serve.”
The company has a goal of reaching over five million homes and businesses across 20 states (including the previously mentioned) with the deployment of its fiber broadband network technology. Brightspeed has provided fiber internet services to close to 318,000 businesses and homes in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Arkansas, and is expanding in those states. The BEAD award received for Oklahoma starts the company’s fiber network build in the state.
“For families and business owners, fast, affordable and reliable internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” said Brightspeed Broadband Office Vice President Pamela Sherwood. “With our planned network builds and the support of the BEAD program, we’re not just expanding access, we’re delivering a game-changing victory for communities across our footprint. This funding empowers us to bring ultra-fast internet to even more Americans, unlocking new opportunities for work, learning, health care and growth.”