State Broadband Office opens application for $1.2 billion in funding
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant application open now; state matching funds also available
The Washington State Broadband Office opened the application period today for $1.2 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding intended to bridge the digital divide in Washington by bringing high-speed internet to everyone.
An additional $300 million is state matching funds will be available to local governments and federally recognized tribes.
“Washington’s BEAD funding is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and social equity. By investing in broadband infrastructure, we're connecting communities and empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and creating a more prosperous future for all,” said Commerce Director Mike Fong.
“Opening the application for this funding that will connect communities that haven’t had access to broadband internet is a major milestone and means we are one step closer to getting actual shovels in the ground,” said Aaron Wheeler, Broadband Office Director.
Eligibility
The BEAD program is open to:
- Units of local government, including but not limited to ports and public utility districts
- Federally recognized tribes
- Nonprofit organizations
- Nonprofit cooperative organizations
- Public private partnership
- Private companies
- Public or private utilities
In addition, projects must serve areas identified and approved through the BEAD process. Commerce recently posted updated BEAD construction project area maps that detail unserved and underserved locations across the state that are eligible for BEAD funding.
View updated project area maps
The Broadband Office will periodically update these maps to reflect the most current information available.
Application information
View the Notice of Funding Opportunity document (pdf)
Access the ZoomGrants portal to apply
Information about BEAD funding and more is available on the Commerce Internet For All website.
Funding timeline
The first 60-day round of applications closes in January, and further application rounds may follow. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will review applications in May and June 2025, and the Broadband Office is expected to announce Washington's BEAD projects following NTIA approval sometime next summer.
Trainings available
- Topic: Checklist and maps
- Topic: BEAD application and ZoomGrants portal
Recordings of all trainings will be available on our Internet for All page following the event.
"Getting Ready for BEAD Checklist" updated
An updated version of our Getting Ready for the BEAD Checklist document was posted this week. This document guides the application process for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. It outlines required attachments, eligibility criteria, and other critical considerations for applicants.
View the updated Getting Ready for BEAD Checklist (PDF)
About BEAD
The BEAD program is working to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, tribal nations, communities, internet providers and other stakeholders to build infrastructure where needed and increase high-speed internet adoption. The federal program provides over $42 billion for infrastructure planning and implementation nationwide.
Digital equity dashboard
The Washington State Broadband Office launched a Digital Equity Dashboard to help everyone understand the “digital divide,” the gap between those with access to technology, digital literacy skills and the internet, and those without. View the Digital Equity Dashboard.
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