On May 13, 2022, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) which contained the requirements for awarding Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program grants to eligible entities. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, the NTIA was tasked with developing a framework for the widespread deployment of affordable, high-speed broadband services to unserved and underserved communities through the distribution of more than $42 billion in BEAD funding.

States, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories may apply for BEAD funding by submitting proposals that detail action plans for best serving communities that lack access to affordable broadband services. Grant recipients may deliver funds to subgrantees to complete deployment services, including the installation of internet and Wi-Fi infrastructure within qualifying multifamily buildings.

The National Apartment Association (NAA) has long supported efforts to accelerate broadband deployment and modernization in rental housing. BEAD funding will enable access to affordable, high-speed internet by driving new broadband investment in housing where it is needed most. NAA encourages members and affiliates to identify their state broadband task force, commission or authority, become a stakeholder as action plans are developed, and help prioritize broadband deployment in multifamily rental housing.

For more information on NAA’s regulatory advocacy on broadband policy, please reach out to Sam Gilboard, NAA’s Senior Manager of Public Policy.