Program Update
On June 6, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Restructuring BEAD Policy Notice that enacts updates to the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is in the process of reviewing this new guidance and identifying the changes and implications as quickly as possible.
MBI will be required to implement significant changes to the Subgrantee Selection Process, which started with the BEAD Round 1 Deployment Phase on January 15, 2025, to align with the requirements in the new Policy Notice.
MBI will continue to share information and update this program webpage.
The Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and allocates $147 million to Massachusetts. The Deployment Phase of the BEAD program will fund infrastructure projects that will connect the remaining broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) that are unserved (below a 25/3 Mpbs threshold), and underserved (below a 100/20 Mbps threshold). MBI is committed to achieving universal service by bringing affordable, reliable high-speed internet to every home in the state.
Plans to Reopen the BEAD Program
MBI expects to open the required Benefit of the Bargain grant solicitation in early July with the goal of submitting Massachusetts’ BEAD Final Proposal by Thursday, September 4.
The Benefit of the Bargain grant solicitation round will include BEAD eligible broadband serviceable locations and community anchor institutions. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that have already been qualified by MBI will be able to proceed directly to complete and submit project application(s). ISPs that have not successfully completed the qualification process through either the BEAD Prequalification or the BEAD Round 1 Deployment solicitation still have the opportunity to apply for BEAD funding. These ISPs will be required to submit BEAD Qualification information and documentation as part of the response to the Benefit of the Bargain grant solicitation. Those providers are urged to review the updated BEAD Qualification Guide that has been posted by MBI.
Unlicensed Fixed Wireless BEAD Eligibility Update
Posted June 16, 2025
On June 6, 2025, NTIA published the BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. Per the new NTIA requirements, MBI must offer unlicensed fixed wireless (ULFW) providers that currently offer service to BEAD-eligible locations the opportunity to provide evidence that BEAD funding is not required for the locations they serve.
According to the FCC’s National Broadband Map, the following ULFW providers currently serve BEAD-eligible locations in Massachusetts:
- Netafy
- ULFW providers must submit a notice of intent to submit evidence to remove locations they claim to serve from BEAD eligibility in seven calendar days (deadline June 23, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.).
- Providers will have an additional seven calendar days (deadline June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.) to submit their documentation to MBI supporting the claim that the existing ULFW services meet the same technical and service standards required for a BEAD subgrant (see Appendix A of the Restructuring BEAD Policy Notice). If a ULFW service provider demonstrates that it meets the requirements specified by this Policy Notice, the served locations will be ineligible for BEAD Program funding.
- Providers should review the technical criteria in Appendix A and be prepared to submit appropriate documentation as well as a list of locations for which they intend to assert service in the seven day window following their notification of intent to claim service. Only locations where the FCC National Broadband Map indicates potentially qualifying unlicensed fixed wireless service is currently available will be considered in terms of determining BEAD eligibility.
- ULFW providers should submit responses to broadband@masstech.org with the subject line “ULFW BEAD Eligibility."
Massachusetts Challenge Process
Massachusetts facilitated the BEAD Challenge Process during the summer of 2024. The Challenge Process was a crucial step to ensure the accuracy of internet availability data and maps for MBI to deploy funding to expand broadband access across the state.
The Massachusetts Challenge Portal was based on the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) map, with version 4 of the CostQuest fabric data and availability data as of December 31, 2023.
Throughout the challenge phase of the BEAD Challenge Process, registered users entered 33,665 challenges into the portal. An additional 14,449 challenges were created as pre-challenge modifications (3,548) and area and multiple dwelling unit (MDU) challenges (10,901), bringing the total number of challenges to 48,114.
During the Rebuttal Phase of the Challenge Process MBI received 5091 rebuttals.
Archived Challenge Process Materials
Archived Challenge Process Technical Assistance
FAQs, June 2024 (PDF)
FAQs, April 2024 (PDF)
Standard Operating Procedures/Evidence Review Guidelines (PDF) (updated 8/16/24)
Area & Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) Challenges Flyer (PDF)