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Brightspeed has announced it has been awarded BEAD program grants in six states, amounting to a total of more than $222 million.

By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Over $222 million has been awarded to Brightspeed through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, according to North Carolina-based internet provider.

The total includes grants across six states to expand the company’s fiber network, including Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin, Brightspeed announced this week.

With the funding, Brightspeed said they hope to reach 73,709 homes and businesses that are within the scope of the grants.

Brightspeed’s largest share of BEAD funds is in Wisconsin, where the company has been awarded almost $135 million in grant funding.

According to Brightspeed, that money will help connect over 44,000 locations in Wisconsin alone.

All the while, Brightspeed’s CEO Michel Combes says the company is not finished chasing BEAD funds.

“We are actively pursuing even more BEAD funding to expand our impact in the states we serve,” Combes stated, through comments included in the release.

Currently, Brightspeed has operations in 20 states, a summary of the company explained.

Brightspeed Broadband Office Vice President Pamela Sherwood said the funding represents a “game-changing victory” for communities in their footprint.

“For families and business owners, fast, affordable and reliable internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline,” Sherwood said. “This funding empowers us to bring ultra-fast internet to even more Americans, unlocking new opportunities for work, learning, health care and growth.”

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