Nebraska BEAD Broadband Expansion

under construction

Nebraska is establishing its first broadband connections through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The state initially planned to use $44.5 million of the $405 million awarded to connect unserved locations to broadband. The program saw restructuring leading to a near 90% reduction in funds allocated for broadband expansion. The state aims to connect remaining unserved or underserved locations using about 75 wireless towers, with 40 currently existing. Seven companies signed subgrants to connect 88% of eligible locations, while three companies backed out. The state is reopening provider applications to serve the remaining 12% of locations. There is over $300 million in allocated but unspent funds, with potential uses including technological support for precision agriculture.