The state of Nebraska begins accepting applications today for $20 million in rural broadband funding. The funding will come through the state’s Broadband Bridge program. Applications are due by July 8.
The program covers some of the costs of deploying service to unserved areas, defined as those lacking 25/3 Mbps service, and underserved areas lacking 100/20 Mbps service. Awardees are required to deploy service supporting speeds of at least 100 Mbps symmetrically.
The Broadband Bridge funding will cover no more than 75% of total project costs if locations are within a high-cost area and no more than 50% if locations are outside a high-cost area. The remaining funding can come from certain federal funding sources or from the applicant or another outside source.
Awards will be based on a point system that includes:
- Demonstration of financial capability (up to 10 points)
- Demonstration of legal capability (up to 10 points)
- Technical capability (up to 15 points)
- Digital inclusion plan (up to 5 points)
- Affordability and price comparability with other state areas (up to 10 points)
- Speeds above the required minimum (up to 10 points)
- Matching fund source (up to 10 points)
- Match percentage (up to 60 points)
- Location density (up to 20 points)
- Eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) certification (up to 5 points)
- Public-private partnership (up to 5 points)
Additional information about this funding round can be found in the 2024 Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program guide.
Somewhat more than $20 million may be available, depending on how much might be unawarded from previous years of the program.
Additional information about Nebraska broadband, including links to state funding resources, state-specific Telecompetitor coverage and awards made, can be found on the Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
