Montgomery, AL — Kay Ivey announced that Alabama’s proposal under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, clearing the way for a significant expansion of high-speed internet access across the state.
Following the approval, the state has awarded nearly $460 million in grants to fund 63 broadband expansion projects. These projects are expected to bring internet service to approximately 92,000 locations that are currently unserved, marking a major step toward statewide connectivity.
In a statement, Governor Ivey said the approval represents progress in closing Alabama’s digital divide, emphasizing the importance of reliable internet for economic development, education, healthcare and daily life. She also highlighted collaboration between state agencies, local communities and private providers as a key factor in advancing the plan.
The broadband expansion effort is being coordinated through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), which has worked alongside federal partners and service providers to develop and implement the program. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said the initiative reflects a coordinated effort to deliver high-speed internet in a cost-effective and responsible manner, while supporting long-term growth across Alabama communities.
According to the state, the 63 projects will utilize a mix of technologies to expand access. Approximately 71 percent of the projects will rely on fiber infrastructure, 24 percent will use low-Earth orbit satellite technology, and 5 percent will use hybrid fiber-coaxial systems. The average cost per location is estimated to be less than $5,000.
Funding will be distributed among a range of national and regional providers, including companies such as AT&T, Comcast and SpaceX, as well as smaller Alabama-based providers and cooperatives. In Calhoun County, funding allocated to Comcast is expected to expand broadband access to more than 1,200 locations.
State officials also noted that, of the approximately $1.4 billion originally allocated to Alabama through the BEAD program, more than $800 million in taxpayer funds are being preserved. Those funds may be used for additional eligible purposes in the future, as defined by federal guidelines.
ADECA is currently working to finalize contracts for the approved projects. The agency has also outlined plans for ongoing monitoring to ensure projects are completed on schedule, meet federal standards and provide long-term benefits to residents and businesses.
State leaders say the broadband expansion effort builds on initiatives that began in 2017 and positions Alabama to achieve full broadband coverage, as defined by federal benchmarks, in the coming years.
