KY Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD)

The Kentucky Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) aims to address the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet services across all regions of Kentucky. By focusing on promoting broadband deployment, affordability, and adoption, BEAD seeks to empower communities, foster economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all Kentuckians.

The Kentucky BEAD program, aligned with the national initiative led by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), was designed to strategically invest in broadband infrastructure and resources to bridge the digital divide in Kentucky. By leveraging partnerships with federal, state, and local stakeholders, the program identifies priority areas lacking adequate broadband access and implements targeted solutions to address these gaps. Through a combination of grant funding, technical assistance, and community engagement efforts, BEAD aims to connect underserved and unserved areas, promote digital inclusion, and support sustainable economic development statewide.

Kentucky's subgrantee selection process began with a Pre-Application period to identify prospective subgrantees based on their managerial, financial, technical, and other capabilities. The Kentucky BEAD Pre-Application process accepted submissions for 30 days: from August 14, 2024, through September 13, 2024. 

Approved Pre-Application entities will be invited to participate in the Project Application phase of the program and review will identify successful Applications for defined project areas. The Kentucky BEAD Project Application process will accept submissions for 60 days: from January 15, 2025, through March 15, 2024. Implementation activities will begin only after awards are announced, ensuring compliance with all Commonwealth and federal laws, and will track service availability through reporting, inspections, and reimbursements. All projects will undergo a Final Inspection before the final payment is made and the project is closed.

Kentucky BEAD offers funding opportunities to support the expansion of broadband infrastructure and improve connectivity across the Commonwealth.

Eligible activities include:

• Deploying broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, with a focus on last mile connectivity capable of supporting speeds of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload

• Providing technical assistance and capacity-building support for local governments, community organizations, and broadband providers to facilitate deployment and adoption efforts

• Conducting outreach and education initiatives to promote broadband adoption and enhance digital literacy skills among residents, businesses, and community institutions

• Performing data collection and mapping activities to identify broadband gaps, assess existing infrastructure, and inform decision-making processes related to broadband investment and policy development

These eligible activities are designed to support comprehensive broadband expansion efforts across Kentucky, helping to ensure that all communities can have access to reliable high-speed internet services.

Prospective subgrantees and stakeholders participating in the Kentucky BEAD program should be aware of the following additional disclosures:

• Eligibility criteria for program participation will be determined based on established guidelines and priorities, as outlined in program documentation and guidance materials

• All funded projects must comply with applicable Commonwealth and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, including those set forth by the NTIA and other relevant agencies

• Funding allocations are subject to availability and may be contingent upon approval from the NTIA and other funding partners

• The Office of Broadband Development reserves the right to modify program guidelines, funding priorities, and eligibility criteria as needed to best achieve program goals and objectives and to respond to evolving broadband needs and challenges in the Commonwealth