The Utah Broadband Center (UBC) is offering the Broadband Infrastructure Grant (BIG) under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to expand high-speed internet access to underserved and unserved areas in Utah. The goal of the grant is to achieve 100% broadband service coverage across the state by funding projects that deploy reliable broadband infrastructure in designated Utah Project Funding Areas (UPFA). The funding is provided by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the BEAD initiative.

The application process consists of two parts. Part 1, opening on February 10, 2025, requires administrative and financial documentation, including existing network details, Fair Labor disclosures, financial pro formas, and Letters of Credit or Performance Bond commitments. Part 2, which details specific project proposals for UPFAs, opens at a later date after necessary map updates. All applications must be submitted through the BIG BEAD Grant portal by April 11, 2025, at 11:55 PM Mountain Time. Only pre-approved and registered entities are eligible to apply.

The grant requires a minimum 25% matching contribution from applicants, and funding will be awarded based on a competitive scoring process outlined in Utah’s Initial Proposal Volume 2. Applications will be evaluated on factors including project feasibility, scalability, sustainability, affordability, and alignment with state and federal broadband priorities. The grant places a preference on fiber-optic projects, but hybrid and alternative technology solutions may also be considered for high-cost or difficult-to-serve locations.

Applicants must submit project budgets, network designs, and financial models that demonstrate their ability to complete broadband expansion projects within the specified timeframes. UBC requires all awarded projects to adhere to federal compliance standards, including environmental and labor regulations. Applicants must also provide cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans. Provisional awards will be decided before Utah submits its Final Proposal to NTIA by July 29, 2025.

To assist applicants, UBC is offering in-person and virtual training sessions, recorded webinars, and office hours to address questions about the application process. These resources, along with application guides, project templates, and maps, are available on the Utah Broadband Center website. Additionally, applicants can participate in weekly Q&A sessions and review an updated FAQ document.

For more information, applicants can contact the Utah Broadband Center via email at connectingutah@utah.gov or call the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity at (801) 538-8680. The formal application guide and additional details are accessible at https://business.utah.gov/broadband/grants/.