Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 27, On August 26, Brightspeed, a leading U.S. fiber broadband provider, announced it received Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program grants totaling $222,165,886 across Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. These funds will enable the company to extend its high-speed Brightspeed Fiber Internet network to 73,709 additional homes and businesses.

Brightspeed is investing billions to deploy advanced fiber-optic broadband across 20 states, aiming to connect over five million locations. The company currently serves nearly 318,000 homes and businesses in Arkansas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin, with thousands more added monthly. The BEAD grants mark the start of Brightspeed’s fiber network construction in Oklahoma. The awards are distributed as follows: Arkansas ($26,279,777 for 13,791 locations), Georgia ($2,265,592 for 1,405 locations), Oklahoma ($1,893,595 for 148 locations), Pennsylvania ($40,112,441 for 9,126 locations), Virginia ($16,661,198 for 4,963 locations), and Wisconsin ($134,953,282 for 44,276 locations).

Additionally, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin previously awarded Brightspeed over $8.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, complementing the company’s $15.5 million investment to bring fiber internet to these states. These ARPA funds will provide high-speed connectivity to over 9,000 residents. Brightspeed continues to seek state and federal grants to expand its network further.

Michel Combes, Executive Chairman and CEO, stated: “From day one, we set out with an ambitious mission: to transform connectivity for millions of Americans across 20 states by building a world-class fiber network in rural and suburban communities left behind by yesterday’s providers. The BEAD program accelerates that mission, unlocking an unprecedented opportunity to deliver life-changing connections that empower families, fuel businesses and ignite local economies. And we’re only just getting started.”

Pamela Sherwood, Broadband Office Vice President, stated: “For families and business owners, fast, affordable and reliable internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. With our planned network builds and the support of the BEAD program, we’re not just expanding access, we’re delivering a game-changing victory for communities across our footprint.”

The BEAD grants enhance Brightspeed’s efforts to provide reliable, high-speed internet, supporting education, healthcare, work, and economic growth in underserved areas. By leveraging federal funding and its own investments, Brightspeed is advancing digital connectivity, fostering opportunities for communities across its service regions.