Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Goal/purpose: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is designed to ensure that every home, business, and community anchor institution in Michigan will have access to a high-speed internet connection. It aims to close the digital divide by funding the necessary infrastructure for widespread access to affordable and equitable broadband.

Additional applicant eligibility criteria: Applicants must demonstrate compliance with fair labor practices, including records of compliance with federal labor and employment laws, historical use of contracting/subcontracting, and plans for ensuring compliance.

Project eligibility: Projects must build reliable high-speed internet infrastructure to connect unserved (less than 25/3 Mbps) and underserved (less than 100/20 Mbps) locations. Priority Projects are those proposing end-to-end fiber networks offering at least 1/1 Gbps. Non-Priority Projects propose fiber, cable, or licensed fixed wireless offering at least 100/20 Mbps. Middle Mile Infrastructure is eligible only if required to reach interconnection points for an unserved/underserved project.

Application process: The program utilizes a two-step application process: pre-registration and project application. Following a BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, a Benefit of the Bargain Round was administered, accepting registrations from July 7 to July 21, 2025, and applications from July 21 to August 4, 2025. Applicants define project areas using a 1.5-mile hexagonal grid.