Counties are key contributors to the success of the BEAD program

Internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) included passage of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act (DEA) programs, which targets building out broadband infrastructure to every unserved and underserved location across the country as well as funding critical digital equity initiatives across the country, respectively.  

Counties have a key role to play, through local coordinators of broadband infrastructure funding as well as serving as direct subrecipients or funders of local broadband initiatives. This resource hub is intended to guide counties on the key deadlines, pertinent resources, and other initiatives that are critical under the BEAD and DEA programs.

As of June 6, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Agency  has issued new guidance for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program that makes substantial changes to existing rules. See the Policy Notice here, and read NACo's analysis on the new guidance here
 

Action Items for Counties

1. Establish a strong relationship with your state broadband office​

Get involved in their planning process as they formulate their Initial and Final Proposal for BEAD funding​

2. Assess current and future broadband needs​

Focus on local broadband availability, infrastructure deployment processes and challenges, and consult county-held data​

3. Advocate for your county’s vulnerable communities​

Targeted outreach and community convening will help boost awareness of the forthcoming funding opportunity​

4. Apply to be a subgrantee​

Counties can apply to directly deploy or fund broadband infrastructure networks – determine if this is a viable solution in your community​

5. Develop data and engage in strategic planning​

Consult county-held data, engage in feasibility and needs assessments, collaborate with neighboring counties and jurisdictions​

Jump to Section

Explore County Data

Who is unserved or underserved in your community? Visit NACo’s County Explorer resource to review updated Census Bureau data on broadband availability, and consult with the FCC’s national broadband availability maps for updated speed reporting for providers in your county.

Programatic Resources

The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) has released several guides to help counties navigate the BEAD program, including the new Policy Notice. 

BEAD Program Resources

The BEAD Program promises to deliver broadband infrastructure to every unserved and underserved location in the country. Learn about how counties can partner and play a key role in the implementation of the program.  

BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice

Review the NTIA Policy Notice instituting reforms to the BEAD program.

Learn More

BEAD Plans and Milestones

Access public resources related to State BEAD Plans and Milestones.

Learn More

Technical Assistance

Access the NTIA Technical Assistance hub for resources and tools in support of the BEAD program, including subgrantee qualifications. 

Learn More

NACo Resources

Affordable Connectivity Program Advocacy Toolkit

Get involved in the growing effort to refund the Affordable Connectivity Program. At its peak, the program enrolled almost 23 million households to receive a monthly benefit to better afford a high-speed internet subscription.

Learn More

County Action Items

Review the county action items for broadband mapping efforts.

Learn More

FCC's Location Fabric

Have you requested access to your county’s version of the Federal Communication Commission’s location fabric, as a part of the Broadband Data Collection process?

Request a Copy

Program Contact

Image of Seamus-Dowdall.jpg

Seamus Dowdall

Legislative Director, Telecommunications & Technology

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