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BEAD Final Proposal Submitted for Approval

The Utah Broadband Center (UBC) is pleased to announce the submission of its final Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) on Friday, October 3rd, for approval. The final proposal details the projects we have selected for funding from our Benefit of the Bargain Round. This proposal was a collaborative effort with internet service providers (ISPs), community partners, and the UBC team. The final draft, including all exhibits and attachments, was made available on our website for a 7-day public comment period. You can access the final proposal and its attachments here.

The NTIA has a 90-day period to review, revise, and finally approve the proposal. We expect the approval to occur by the end of this year. Once NTIA has approved the Final Proposal, subgrantee agreements can be signed and projects can begin. 

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UBC Highlights Internet Need on KSL TV

In a recent KSL-TV back-to-school segment, Utah Broadband Center (UBC) Director Rebecca Dilg was asked about the critical role of high-speed internet in academic achievement. Dilg addressed the current digital divide, noting that while reliable broadband infrastructure is prevalent along the Wasatch Front and many rural areas, access remains inconsistent in the state. Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but an essential tool for every student’s success, and its absence creates a digital divide. 

This persistent gap is particularly evident in rural and frontier areas, primarily because internet service providers (ISPs) face challenges with high-cost infrastructure and maintenance in remote areas, leading to a poor return on investment and a subsequent lack of internet access in these regions. While not as prevalent, we also see some gaps in urban areas.

Rebecca proudly shared the news of UBC’s progress in incentivizing ISPs to expand internet infrastructure and bridge the digital divide. The Broadband Access Grant (BAG) program, nearing completion, has successfully brought internet connectivity to many rural households and will eventually serve over 3,200 locations across six counties. Additionally, the larger Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant is currently underway, aiming to connect the remaining nearly 31,000 unserved locations throughout the state. These initiatives highlight UBC’s commitment to ensuring all Utah students have internet access.

You can watch the entire segment and interview here. 

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Broadband Access Grant Project Site Visits

During Quarter three, Broadband Access Grant (BAG) program manager Steve Greene visited four project sites across the state, reviewing progress and confirming key milestones. Here are the highlights of his findings:

• The Millard County CentraCom project in Utah is ready for contract closure, with houses connected and subscribers receiving service in Leamington, Meadow, and Kanosh, and with two subscribers already connected  
• HiCountryNet’s Herriman project is progressing, with conduit and handholes placed in Phases 1, 2, and 4, 31,796 feet of fiber installed, 13 drops installed, and 242 locations passed, with anticipated completion by November 2026. -The South Utah Valley Electric Service District West Mountain project near Payson, under construction and to be served by Utah Broadband has activated its network, providing fiber service after completing a railroad crossing and installing fiber to the first transition pole, and is now placing handholes and installing drops.
• Navajo Tribal Utility Authority’s Montezuma Creek project has completed make-ready work and replaced 96 poles, with anticipated completion by Spring 202

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UBC Financial Insight

UBC submitted its final proposal for subgrant awards to NTIA and is currently in the curing process. While it is important to note that award amounts are subject to change, the amount of BEAD funds proposed for subawards was $215,411,584.26. The 40 proposed project areas have a wide range of technologies and numbers of locations based on region and topography. The median values for project area awards and location counts are $1,726,697.20 and 265, respectively.

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Events

Quarterly Utah Broadband Alliance (UBA) Meetings: The UBA is an open membership facilitated by the Utah Broadband Center for internet service providers, local and state government entities, and private, public, and nonprofit organizations interested in bringing internet connectivity to citizens statewide. Alliance meetings are held quarterly. 

To participate or volunteer as a presenter at our next meeting, please email your request to [email protected] or check connecting.utah.gov for more information.

Connecting Utah Call October 22, 2025