NTIA Approves Vermont's BEAD Final Proposal!

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   February 10, 2026     

Contact:  Herryn Herzog, VCBB Communications, Strategy, and Policy Director phone: (802) 522-3396 email: Herryn.Herzog@Vermont.gov   

 NTIA Approves Vermont’s BEAD Final Proposal, Unlocking Millions in Federal Funding 

 Plan Will Increase Statewide Broadband Access to More Than 99% of Vermonters

Montpelier, Vermont – Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is proud to announce that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Vermont’s Final Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The approval authorizes the state to move from planning to implementation of its $93 million federal broadband investment. 

“This is a major milestone for many of our rural towns and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen and revitalize communities,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I want to thank Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arielle Roth and her team at NTIA for their leadership of this complex federal initiative, Vermont’s congressional delegation for their support for this important program, and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for developing and administering Vermont’s approved plan.” 

Vermont was allocated almost $229 million through the BEAD program to expand high-speed, reliable broadband networks across the state to households that currently lack broadband access. NTIA’s approval allows Vermont access to $93 million of its allocation to deploy broadband statewide. 

“Affordable, high-speed internet is a vitally important resource in every corner of the country. It is foundational to modern life. From education to health care to small business, virtually every sector of society needs it to survive and thrive. However, thousands of Vermonters still lack access to internet at broadband speed. This approval means Vermonters across our state are one step closer to connecting to reliable, quality service. While it has taken far too long, it is good news that this crucial federal investment from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will finally reach communities in our state,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

“This is a huge moment for Vermont. I’m elated that Vermonters across the state will soon be connected to the broadband they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. By working together, federal and state leaders secured tens of millions of dollars to support the build-out of high-speed, affordable broadband for Vermont families, workers, and communities. I applaud the NTIA’s final approval of this plan, and I extend my thanks and congratulations to Executive Director Christine Hallquist and the Vermont Community Broadband Board, as well as Governor Scott, for working side-by-side with broadband leaders across our state to accomplish this momentous goal,” said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

"Whether it’s a student doing homework, a small business reaching new customers, or a family accessing telehealth, broadband has become critical to our daily lives. This approval is an exciting and important step towards making sure all Vermonters have the reliable connection they need to stay connected and succeed," said Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL).

“BEAD brings us closer to finishing the job of giving rural Vermonters the opportunity to connect to essential and vital high-speed internet service,” said Patty Richards, Chair of the VCBB. “This approval reflects years of careful planning, public input, and strong oversight, confirming that Vermont has put forward an accountable plan to use these federal dollars wisely and deliver broadband infrastructure across the state.”

The approved Final Proposal outlines Vermont’s competitive process for selecting internet service providers to receive BEAD funding and details the technical, financial, and service requirements providers must meet. Projects funded through BEAD will deliver broadband that meets or exceeds the federal performance standard of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Vermont’s subgrantee providers are Comcast, DVFiber, Fidium, Maple Broadband, NEK Broadband, SpaceX, and Vermont Telephone.

“I am proud of the collective work of the VCBB Board, staff, and the Scott Administration. I am happy to be able to say that plans are now in place to bring broadband to more than 99% of Vermonters,” said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist. “And the work isn’t finished. We’re taking a close look to make sure everyone is included and to find solutions where gaps remain. We know that rural broadband leads to higher business growth, self-employment growth, and higher per capita income growth, and we want all Vermonters to be able to take advantage of those opportunities. 

About the BEAD Program The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal investment authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand high-speed internet access nationwide. BEAD requires recipients to build to every location that previously had service below 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload and to finish the work within four years of the grant award. The program provides funding to all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia to deploy or upgrade broadband infrastructure and ensure access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet service. States were required to submit Initial and Final Proposals to NTIA describing how they will use BEAD funds to serve all eligible locations. 

Next Steps VCBB will now begin implementation of the VT-BEAD program, including finalizing awards and coordinating with selected providers to begin construction. For more information about VT-BEAD and ongoing broadband efforts go to VCBB’s VT-BEAD webpage. ###