BEAD Program

The Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) is assisting the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) to expand broadband across the state, supporting every Georgian’s access to high speed, reliable internet.

GTA is currently in the planning phase for more than $1.3 billion in grant funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These dollars will be used to support broadband grants to serve remaining unserved and underserved locations in Georgia.

BEAD Map Challenge Process

The challenge process gives Georgians an opportunity to correct inaccuracies in the state's broadband map, so it reflects the most up-to-date broadband access information. Help us make sure BEAD dollars go where they are needed most.

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Initial Proposal

To access BEAD funds, the state must first develop a detailed plan, referred to as an Initial Proposal, that demonstrates how, at a minimum, all unserved locations in the state will be connected to broadband by the end of the BEAD Program. NTIA will review this plan, and once approved, GTA and OPB may begin implementation. GTA is developing the Initial Proposal in two volumes.

Volume 2

The Initial Proposal Volume 2 describes how Georgia will distribute its allocated BEAD funds to achieve Georgia's objectives in compliance with state and federal requirements. This version was submitted to NTIA for approval on April 12, 2024.

Watch the November 8, 2023, public comment webinar recording below.

Volume 1

GTA is pleased to present the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 1 as approved by NTIA.

Appendices

  • Appendix 1

    Descriptions of existing funding for broadband in Georgia

  • Appendix 4

    List of eligible CAIs that don't currently have qualifying broadband service (1/1 Gbps)

  • Appendix 5

    List of federal and state programs analyzed to remove enforceable commitments from locations eligible for BEAD funding

Five-Year Action Plan

GTA is pleased to present the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Five-Year Action Plan.

The plan includes a comprehensive broadband needs assessment and establishes the state's goal of providing all Georgians will robust, high-speed internet connections, along with the tools and skills needed to make the most of opportunities enabled by broadband access.