Broadband Provider Brightspeed Announces Public Funding for Digital Infrastructure
Brightspeed, a broadband and fiber company launched in 2022, specializes in providing and delivering high-speed internet across the United States. In January, the company announced it has reached $238 million in public funding to expand its efforts to bridge the digital divide. A significant portion of this funding comes from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, emphasizing the company’s commitment to improving connectivity in rural and suburban communities.
The funding is part of Brightspeed’s commitment to invest $2 billion in building a fiber network to provide faster, more reliable internet and Wi-Fi to communities across the Midwest, Southeast, and certain parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Since launching its fiber build in 2022, Brightspeed has deployed over 103,000 miles of fiber-optic cable, surpassing its year-end goal by reaching approximately 1.82 million fiber-enabled locations across its 20-state footprint.
Louisiana BEAD Project
In November, Brightspeed announced its first federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program award, receiving over $7.5 million from Louisiana to extend its fiber network to 2,800 additional locations. This is part of Brightspeed’s multi-billion-dollar investment to deliver high-speed internet to over 4 million homes and businesses across 20 states, addressing connectivity gaps in underserved areas.
Brightspeed’s Louisiana BEAD project was officially announced earlier this year. This initiative aims to extend broadband services to unconnected regions of Louisiana, addressing long-standing gaps in internet access. The project underscores Brightspeed’s strategy to leverage federal and state funding to meet critical infrastructure needs.
Funding Overview
Brightspeed’s public funding comes from various sources:
- Federal – A substantial portion comes from the BEAD program, a federal initiative designed to ensure equitable broadband access nationwide.
- State Contributions – State governments, including Louisiana, have allocated funds to support Brightspeed’s efforts to expand broadband infrastructure in their regions.
- Local Municipalities – Have also provided grants to support targeted connectivity projects.
- Public-Private – Additional funding comes from partnerships and other public-private collaborations aimed at accelerating broadband deployment.
A breakdown of Brightspeed’s Public Funding:
- Alabama: ~$597,000 – connecting more than 1,000 locations
- Arkansas: $470,000 – connecting 580 homes and businesses
- Indiana: More than $5.5 million – connecting nearly 3,300 locations
- Kansas: ~$474,000 – connecting more than 550 locations
- Louisiana: ~$270,000 – connecting more than 400 locations
- Louisiana (BEAD funding): $7.5 million+ – reaching 2,800 premises
- Michigan: $774,000 – connecting nearly 390 locations
- North Carolina: ~$180 million – funding connections to more than 80,000 premises
- Ohio: $12.3 million+ – connecting nearly 5,900 homes and businesses
- Pennsylvania: $782,000 – connecting 340 locations
- South Carolina: $3.8 million+ – connecting nearly 5,200 locations
- Tennessee: $6.8 million – connecting 2,800 locations
- Texas: $2.3 million – connecting nearly 5,000 locations
- Virginia: $5.6 million – connecting nearly 3,500 homes and businesses
- Wisconsin: ~$11.9 million – connecting more than 8,400 locations
The secured funding will support several key initiatives:
- Deployment of fiber-optic networks in underserved areas.
- Expansion of high-speed internet access to rural and suburban communities.
- Upgrades to existing infrastructure to ensure reliable and modern connectivity.
Progress of the BEAD Program
The BEAD program has seen increasing momentum.In 2024, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program continued its efforts to expand high-speed internet access across the United States. By December 2024, the federal government had obligated the entire $42.45 billion allocated for BEAD funding to all 56 eligible entities, including all 50 states, Washington D.C., and five U.S. territories.
Impact on Communities
The funding will have a transformative effect on the communities Brightspeed serves:
- Rural and Suburban Communities: Expanded broadband access will enable more residents to participate in the digital economy, access education, and utilize telehealth services.
- Economic Growth: Improved connectivity is expected to attract businesses, foster innovation, and boost local economies.
- Job Creation: Infrastructure projects will create jobs in construction, technology, and maintenance, directly benefiting local workers.
Brightspeed has expressed enthusiasm about the funding’s potential. “Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” added Brightspeed’ Vice President’s Pamela Sherwood.
Progress in the BEAD Program
The Biden administration’s emphasis on broadband funding accelerated efforts to bridge the digital divide. Public funding has been instrumental in enabling large-scale projects like the BEAD program, and 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for its implementation.
