Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a federal program that provides $42 billion nationwide to expand high-speed broadband access. BEAD was funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and is overseen by the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA). BEAD prioritizes unserved locations that have no internet access or limited access under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations that only have access under 100/20 Mbps.
Indiana was awarded $868 million in BEAD funds to ensure that every Indiana resident has access to high-speed, reliable, affordable broadband access.
IBO March 2025 Listening Sessions Wrap-Up
Throughout the month of March, the Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) traveled the State of Indiana with a series of public listening sessions.
From Posey to Noble counties, local community leaders, residents and internet service providers were in attendance to learn more about the BEAD Program and the opportunities that are being offered in their communities.
Find the presentation we conducted for our Listening Sessions here.
BEAD Subgrantee Selection
The IBO opened Round 1 of Subgrantee Selection for 45 days beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30th, 2024. Applications closed at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025. Open for 45 days from December 30th – February 12th (11:59 pm) (The application portal can be found here.)
Post-Challenge Process Location Status Guidance
New guidance has been released by the IBO on post challenge process location status. It includes key information on processes for addressing location status changes, evidence requirements, and compliance with program goals.
Post-Challenge Process Location Status Guidance
Alternative Technology Guidance
Additional guidance has been drafted to outline the IBO's process for accepting and evaluating Alternative Technology (alt-tech) applications during Subgrantee Selection.
Alternative Technology Guidance
Supplemental Resources
The IBO has made some additional resources available for ISPs submitting BEAD applications during Subgrantee Selection including a model letter of credit and a one pager detailing instructions on 20% ineligible locations in a project area.
Model Letter of Credit
20% Ineligible Locations One Pager
CostQuest License Instructions
Pre-Qualification Resources
The IBO opened the pre-qualification for 31 days after the initial posting of pre-qualification guidance, on August 26, 2024. Prospective applicants had time after pre-qualification round began to submit their materials. Open 31 days from August 26th – September 27th (11:59 pm)
BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 2
The Indiana Broadband Office’s Initial Proposal Volume 2 was available for public comment until December 3, 2023. NTIA has approved Indiana's Volume 2 as of July 2024.
The Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) has an updated version of Indiana’s Initial Proposal Volume 2 for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This updated version includes amendments submitted to the NTIA that provide additional guidance on the Subgrantee Selection Process, as well as clarifying language based on guidance released by NTIA after Indiana's Volume 2 approval. To ensure transparency, all revisions have been highlighted in yellow.
This document adheres to NTIA guidelines, which are available for review here.
Download Initial Proposal Vol 2
We want to hear your questions and comments!
The Indiana Broadband Office’s public comment period for the Initial Proposal has concluded, but your questions can still be answered. We encourage Indiana residents, community organizations, businesses, local units of government, and other groups to review the Initial Proposal and email IndianaBroadband@iot.in.gov with any questions.
Initial Proposal Volume 1
Initial Proposal Volume 1 is available to download. It has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
This document adheres to NTIA guidelines, which are available for review here.
BEAD Local Government Letter of Support
Local government officials can participate in the subgrantee selection process by writing letters of support for internet service providers that will be submitted with their project applications. This document provides important information about the letter of support for local governments.
Download the LetterSmall Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers several resources for internet service providers to access. They are found at the below links.
Indiana Office of Inspector General
The Office of Inspector General was created in 2005 and is statutorily charged with addressing fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement and wrongdoing in government including the BEAD program.
BEAD Five-Year Plan
IBO has submitted the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Plan plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to show how the state of Indiana can best incorporate digital equity into broadband planning.
Download the Plan