The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a federal program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched in 2023. This program provides funding primarily for last mile connection to residences (i.e., Internet buildout to the home) in their respective communities. BEAD prioritizes Internet buildouts in the following order:
- Unserved locations: Locations with NO wired infrastructure to access the Internet
- Underserved locations: Locations with wired Internet infrastructure that DO NOT support the minimum speeds of the 100Mbps download / 20Mbps upload
- Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs): Existing community organizations or public spaces that may provide access and support services to the public with less than 1Gbps download / 1Gbps upload speeds offered
The $45 billion BEAD Program is open to all 50 states and territories. Hawaiʻi was allocated $149.5 million under this program. In 2025, Hawaiʻi submitted its proposal for expending allocated BEAD funds to achieve 100% connectivity for the State. Under the approved plan:
- Approximately 82% of locations will be connected through fiber-optic infrastructure.
- Approximately 18% will be served through low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology in areas where fiber is not practical.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with service rolling out as projects are completed. Hawaiian Telcom and Amazon LEO will begin notifying residents when service becomes available in their area.
Program FAQs
- Who is leading the Hawaii BEAD Program?
- ճUniversity of Hawaiʻi Broadband Office (UHBO) is leading the BEAD program. UHBO produced the State’s Five-year Action Plan, Initial and Final Proposals, and conducted the Hawaii BEAD Challenge Process. These outputs and the challenges received during the Challenge Process informed the locations eligible for BEAD funding.
- How can I get funding?
- Funding under BEAD is awarded on a competitive basis. UHBO released a series of request for proposals in 2025 to select Internet Service Providers who will provide access to the State’s underserved, underserved, and qualifying CAI locations. Tentative awards were made to Hawaiian Telcom and Amazon Leo in early 2026.
- What is the Challenge Process?
- ճChallenge Process, conducted in 2024, was open to Internet Service Providers, nonprofit organizations, and local government units. The Challenge Process allowed these groups to refine the list of unserved, underserved, and CAI locations eligible for BEAD funding. Residents with concerns that their Internet service status was reported inaccurately, were encouraged to contact organizations participating in the Challenge Process or submit an Individual Correction, where Challengers voluntarily reviewed the information provided and submitted any potential valid challenges on their behalf. The BEAD Challenge Process concluded on December 7, 2024 and is no longer accepting submissions.
- How can I stay updated?
- ! Any opportunities to learn more in-person will be announced in our newsletter and on our website. View our calendar for any upcoming events.
There has been major changes following the June 6, 2025 . Please refer to the SBLN Training Slide Deck (2025 June 13th) for the break down of changes.
Five-Year Action Plan
Submitted in July 2023, the Five-Year Action Plan details the State’s goals to achieve universal service, expected challenges and barriers during the program duration, and the activities we expect to perform through 2027.
Initial Proposal & State Challenge
Submitted in December 2023, the Initial Proposal introduced the State’s competitive subgrantee selection and Challenge Process. The State also submitted the Initial Proposal Funding Request, allowing 20% of funds to be released to Hawaiʻi for use towards the Challenge Process, subgrantee selection process, and grant administration. The Initial Proposal was released for public comment prior to submission and approval from the NTIA, and the Challenge Process was completed in December 2024.
Final Proposal
The Final Proposal was submitted to NTIA on September 4, 2025. It includes the results of the Challenge Process and the remaining projects to be funded by the BEAD Program.