Washington signs first seven BEAD contracts in $165m push to connect 122,000 homes
Washington's broadband office has signed its first seven contracts under the federal BEAD programme — more than $165m to connect an estimated 121,882 homes.
Washington State Broadband Office has finalised agreements with seven providers under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) programme, the first contracts in the state’s BEAD rollout, the Department of Commerce announced on Thursday.
Together the agreements represent more than $165 million in combined federal, state and private BEAD funding and are expected to connect an estimated 121,882 households in unserved and underserved communities once construction is complete.
The seven awardees, selected through the state’s competitive subgrantee process, are Broadlinc, Concept Communications, Declaration Networks Groups, Hood Canal Communications, Kitsap PUD, Lummi Indian Business Council and Spokane Indian Tribe — spanning both Eastern and Western Washington.
“Broadband isn’t a luxury anymore,” said WSBO Director Jordan Arnold. “It’s how kids do homework, how small businesses stay open and how families reach a doctor without driving an hour.”
Before construction begins, projects must complete National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act reviews. Most locations are expected to be connected within four years of contract execution, consistent with BEAD deployment deadlines, and subgrantees have until October 8 to sign their contracts.
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