BEAD Program

The Initial Proposal Volume 2 for BEAD was released last week for public comment.

The CBO today released the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program Initial Proposal Volume 2. 

The Initial Proposal Volume 2 outlines critical components of the BEAD grant program, including the plan for workforce development, stakeholder engagement, low-cost and middle-class broadband service options, and the selection process for subgrantees.

A Broadband Ready Certified Community is a Colorado community that has taken steps to encourage broadband infrastructure deployment to connect its residents. Steps can include creating a broadband task force, surveying community members, involving schools, businesses and other community anchor institutions, creating budgets and timelines, reviewing local policies and speaking with providers. 

The CBO recently published the BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 1 — Colorado’s initial proposal to use BEAD money to bridge the digital divide and achieve our goal to connect 99% of Colorado households. 

In light of unprecedented funding, the CBO, in coordination with stakeholders across the state, has developed its Five-Year Action Plan. This proposal is integral to the successful implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD).

Originally published June 12, 2023

The Colorado Broadband Office (CBO) is traveling around the state to both host our Summer Roadshow and to participate in the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA) Summits held by the State of Colorado and there is still time to join us. We've added new dates listed below.

The day has finally come! After much anticipation, President Biden and Vice President Harris announced today the state allocations for the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funds. Colorado is set to receive $826,522,650.

As part of the Biden administration's "Internet for All" program, the money is earmarked to ensure the delivery of affordable, reliable, high-speed internet.

We are excited to announce the Broadband Ready Community Program. This program will create an opportunity for communities in Colorado to become “broadband ready” ahead of upcoming historic federal funding disbursement. Through the past year of stakeholder engagement, we have gathered that local communities could greatly benefit from a guided approach to understanding their broadband needs as they begin to plan long-term projects. We have developed a list of tasks (Broadband Ready Community Checklist- see below) that communities can adopt on their way to becoming broadband ready.

On Dec. 8, the Polis administration announced that the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) is awarding Colorado over $5 million to prepare for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding program. The BEAD program is the country’s largest-ever investment in broadband, and provides funding to build infrastructure and provide equitable opportunities through access to the internet.