As part of the state’s commitment to connect every home, and business, to high-speed internet, Governor Andy Beshear recently announced the opening of a Broadband Grants Management Portal — now ready for user registration.
It’s the first step in applying for more than $1.1 billion in state allocations from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program — better known as BEAD — where internet service providers, local governments and non-profit organizations are all eligible.
Beshear said Kentuckians “deserve access to high-speed internet,” because of its necessity for work, school, healthcare and more.
The second step – the pre-qualification phase – will open August 14 and close at 5 PM Central September 13.
All managerial, technical and operational information from prospective applicants will be collected during this step.
The third step will be the submission of applications for BEAD funding, which is expected to open in November.
Users are encouraged to plan ahead and enter their information in advance of the portal closing to allow time for questions, clarifications or technical issues.
Users must complete the pre-qualification process to apply for BEAD funds. The state’s Office of Broadband Development is overseeing the three-phase process.
