ADECA opens comment period before submitting broadband proposal

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has opened a seven day commenting period before it submits the final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. 

The program under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will allow for free broadband for eligible locations.

“One of my biggest priorities since taking office has been expanding high-speed internet infrastructure across our state to ensure that every single Alabamian has access to connectivity,” said Governor Kay Ivey.

“My administration has worked hand-in-glove with the Trump Administration to make our BEAD proposal as low-cost as possible. As a result, our final outcome represents a savings of over $800 million for the American taxpayers –a savings of more than 60 percent, as defined by NTIA percent from Alabama’s original BEAD allocation.”

If approved awardees would include local Alabama companies and cooperatives in addition to national and international companies.

The proposal will be submitted on Sept. 18.

See here for instructions on public commenting.