Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment II

BEAD II is a policy framework and legislative concept describing a second phase of federal broadband investment that builds on the original Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program after core universal service objectives are met. Unlike BEAD I, which is narrowly focused on deploying last-mile broadband to unserved and underserved locations, BEAD II is intended to support strategic, forward-looking investments that strengthen the performance, resilience, and long-term national value of broadband infrastructure.

Under BEAD II proposals, funds would continue to flow through states and territories but would be awarded through competitive subgrants to a broader range of eligible entities, including broadband providers, electric and telecommunications cooperatives, local and tribal governments, nonprofit and community anchor institutions, utilities, and public-private partnerships. Eligible uses would expand beyond basic deployment to include middle-mile and backbone fiber, carrier-neutral interconnection facilities, network hardening and cybersecurity, public safety and emergency communications, workforce development, and infrastructure that supports advanced applications such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, and next-generation wireless systems.

BEAD II differs from BEAD I in both purpose and scope. BEAD I is a deployment-first program designed to close coverage gaps and achieve baseline broadband availability, with a strong fiber-first mandate and strict eligibility tied to location-based need. BEAD II, by contrast, emphasizes optimization and sustainability—leveraging remaining or newly authorized funds to enhance network capacity, reliability, and economic competitiveness once universal access goals are substantially achieved.