The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has launched the prequalifying process for internet service providers to participate in the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program that will provide $1.5 billion to North Carolina for high-speed internet expansion projects beginning in 2025.
“The BEAD program will help us connect everyone in North Carolina to affordable, reliable high-speed internet by 2030 so they can work remotely, apply for jobs, connect to educational resources, benefit from telehealth and so much more,” said NCDIT Deputy Secretary for Broadband and Digital Equity Nate Denny. “This prequalification process will help both NCDIT and broadband providers prepare for upcoming BEAD project applications and subgrantee selection.”
Prequalification is intended to streamline the application process and ensure applicants meet the program’s minimum and mandatory requirements. While prequalification is not required, the division strongly encourages broadband providers to prequalify this fall so they can focus their efforts on project-related applications when that process launches in early 2025. Providers must complete the qualification process during either the prequalification phase or the project application phase before they can submit project applications that may result in project funding.
The division created a guidance document to assist broadband providers in preparing the responses and documentation needed to prequalify, as well as gathering the information required to assess their financial, technical, managerial, operational and other capabilities as outlined in the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity.
The BEAD prequalification guidance, response form and checklist are available on the division’s website at ncbroadband.gov/BEAD-prequalification. The deadline to submit applications/information to prequalify is 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2024.
For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the BEAD program and Governor Roy Cooper’s plan to close the digital divide in North Carolina, please visit ncbroadband.gov.