The states of Colorado and Pennsylvania have released details about upcoming broadband funding programs.
Colorado’s Advance Colorado Broadband grant program plans to award $162 million and Pennsylvania’s Broadband Infrastructure Program has a budget of $200 million.
Both programs are funded through the federal Capital Projects Fund, which was created in the American Rescue Plan Act.
Colorado Broadband Grants
The Colorado Broadband Office expects to begin accepting applications for the Advance Colorado grant program on June 12, with a deadline of August 11.
A comment period for program guidelines and a challenge process for eligible locations kicked off March 27, with comments and challenges due April 28.
Areas lacking service at speeds of 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream are eligible for funding, and grant recipients are required to deploy service at speeds of 100 Mbps symmetrically except in certain circumstances.
Colorado rules prioritize areas lacking service at speeds of 25/3 Mbps. The rules also prioritize projects that will support speeds of 1 Gbps/500 Mbps.
Pennsylvania Broadband Grants
Pennsylvania will begin accepting applications on May 10 for its Broadband Infrastructure Program. The window will close on July 10.
Grants will be for a minimum of $500,000 and a maximum of $10 million, and applicants must provide 25% of the project cost in matching funds.
Funding recipients must deploy symmetrical 100 Mbps service.
