BIG BEAD Final Application will open
Mandatory registration and pre-application are now open for eligible applicants interested in participating in the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Grant, funded by the federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program. However, the deadline is approaching.
The grant pays for installing broadband infrastructure in locations across the state that lack it. Eligible applicants include internet service providers, local and tribal governments, telecommunication organizations, co-ops, public-private partnerships, and nonprofits.
Registration and Pre-application are due by Dec. 23, 2024.
Utah Broadband Availability Challenge Data Approved
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the state’s broadband availability challenge process results on Dec. 6, 2024. With this approval, the Utah Broadband Center (UBC) can begin the Broadband Infrastructure Grant subgrantee process.
Challenge results indicate that 43,539 locations in Utah lack high-speed internet and are eligible for grant infrastructure funds. The list of approved post-challenge unserved and underserved locations has been posted on the UBC website and is available for review and download.
Access Approved Location Lists
UBC and All West Communications Celebrate Completion of Broadband Internet Project in Croydon
UBC and All West Communications celebrated the completion of the Croydon Broadband project. Four miles of newly installed fiber optics provide 56 residences and businesses in rural Morgan County with access to gigabit internet speed, made possible in part by the Utah Broadband Access Grant.
Local county officials, Morgan Chamber members, All West executives and staff, and representatives from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity gathered for a fiber ribbon “splicing” ceremony at the base of the cement plant in Croydon.
County Commissioner Mike Newton shared his gratitude for the collaboration between All West, the county, and the state to bring broadband to the mountain community of Croydon, where he also lives and works from home. “This is a real success story,” said Newton. “We hope to have the opportunity to continue to expand access to other parts of Morgan County in the future.”
Announcements
Public Comment Sought on Performance Measures for BEAD Last-Mile Networks Policy
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration released the draft guidance of performance measures for the BEAD grant awards and is seeking public comment to be submitted by Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET. UBC encourages all planning to apply for BIG funds to review this draft guidance and provide feedback as deemed necessary.
Navajo Nation Broadband Office Posts Request For Proposal for Telecommunication Towers
The Navajo Nation Broadband Office is accepting detailed proposals for constructing 78 multi-tenant telecommunication towers to enhance fixed wireless broadband and 5G service access for all Broadband Serviceable Locations within underserved or unserved areas of the Navajo Nation, including those in Utah.
This strategic initiative will significantly enhance digital connectivity and support future technological advancements across the Navajo Nation.
The Request For Proposal closes Jan. 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. MST. For more information, contact Sonia Nez, Navajo Nation department manager, at [email protected].