Update: Final Proposal Submission
The Utah Broadband Center (UBC) recently concluded negotiations working closely with internet service providers to identify the lowest cost and best technology projects for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant (BIG), funded through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. UBC will present the results to the Utah Transportation Commission on September 26 in conjunction with publishing them for a seven-day public comment. The results published in the Final Proposal, along with an overview of public comments received, will be submitted to NTIA for approval. The NTIA has 90 days to review, require changes to, or approve any or all of the Final Proposal.
Provisional BIG BEAD awards will be posted along with a draft of the BEAD subgrantee agreement and the Final Proposal at connecting.utah.gov on September 26.
Tri-State Telecom Conference
UBC Director Rebecca Dilg participated on a panel with Idaho and Wyoming state broadband leaders at the Tri-State Telecom Conference. The panel discussed the BEAD program and how neighboring states can collaborate to promote broadband deployment, particularly with providers serving multiple states.
Mountain Connect Conference
UBC Technical Program Manager Steve Green participated on a panel with state broadband leaders from Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming at the Mountain Connect Conference. Their panel explored how states and providers can deploy broadband networks efficiently under NTIA’s revised program guidelines.
2025 SBLN Summit
In mid-August, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) hosted the State Broadband Leaders Network (SBLN) Summer Summit in Chicago. Sara Edgar and Steve Greene of the Utah Broadband Center attend the event. The summit proved to be informative and collaborative. It covered topics such BEAD deployment, reporting and permitting success
Utah Tribal Leader Summit
UBC had the opportunity to meet with leaders from Tribes across the state at the 2025 Utah Tribal Leader Summit. UBC remains committed to collaboration with Tribal and community partners to ensure that all Utah communities can access reliable broadband.
UBC Financial Insight
UBC is responsible for administering over $332 million in federal grants. $15 million of these funds is designated for the Broadband Access Grant, and over $317 million has been awarded for the BEAD program. UBC manages federal, state, and local government funds with strict attention to all legal requirements, ethics, and program guidelines. These funds are being used to connect thousands of Utah homes, businesses, and community institutions to reliable broadband.
Events
Triumph In Technology by Club Ability 9/18: Register today here
Broadband Alliance Meeting 9/17: Access meeting recording and slides here
Utah Transportation Commission Meeting 9/26: Additional information
Connecting Utah Virtual Call 10/22: Register here