Alabama receives approval for massive broadband expansion

Alabama has received approval from the federal government on its plan for a $1.4 billion expansion of high-speed internet service throughout the state.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs announced this week that the state’s plan officially received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to deploy the funds it received as part of the 2023 Broadband Equity, Access and and Deployment program, also known as BEAD.

“From the beginning, my goal to expand access to high-speed internet to every area of Alabama has been a team effort, and our plan to utilize these substantial BEAD funds to close the gap in broadband coverage is no different. ADECA, lawmakers, local leaders, and internet service providers each play a valuable role to ensure all of Alabama is connected.  I commend all our partners in the approval of the plan and look forward to rolling out this funding in 2025.”

-Governor Kay Ivey

The state will now move forward with working with internet service providers to identify households and businesses currently unserved by high-speed internet in all 67 counties. Once complete, the project will provide high-speed internet access to 140,000 additional households, businesses and community anchor institutions like schools, libraries and government facilities.

“High-speed broadband internet access is key to the success of students, families, small businesses, and industries across our nation. With continued state-federal and public-private partnerships making strategic investments in closing the digital divide, more Alabamians will have the opportunity to achieve their American Dream.”

-Senator Katie Britt

Do you live in an area that’s in need of better access to high-speed internet service? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on social media.