Kiowa and Elizabeth, two small communities in Colorado, have made history as the first in the state to gain high-speed broadband access under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These initial projects, funded by Colorado’s nearly $1 billion allocation of federal broadband funds, highlight the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring reliable internet access for residents.
The BEAD Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is a cornerstone initiative to expand broadband infrastructure across the United States. Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), BEAD provides states and territories with funding to deploy high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas. With these first proposals approved, BEAD-eligible entities across the country can now access funds and advance into their projects’ planning and implementation phases.
Colorado’s Broadband Vision: Colorado’s broadband expansion plan aims to connect 99% of households statewide by 2027. The effort prioritizes urban centers as well as rural and remote communities that have long been left behind in the digital age. The projects in Kiowa and Elizabeth serve as models for the state’s comprehensive approach, which blends federal funding with state-level initiatives and private-sector partnerships. Governor Jared Polis has emphasized the transformative potential of high-speed internet for Colorado’s residents, citing its importance for education, healthcare, economic growth, and overall quality of life. With the rollout in Kiowa and Elizabeth, thousands of residents and businesses will now have access to the connectivity necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy.
National Implications of the BEAD Program: Colorado’s progress reflects a broader trend as BEAD-eligible entities nationwide begin accessing funds and implementing broadband solutions. The program’s requirements ensure that projects are designed with equity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in mind. States and territories are tasked with submitting detailed proposals outlining their plans to serve unserved and underserved locations and mechanisms to ensure fair and competitive selection processes for subgrantees. The rollout in Kiowa and Elizabeth underscores the importance of these early-stage projects as proof points for the success of the BEAD Program. They demonstrate how federal investment, state leadership, and local engagement can bring tangible benefits to communities in need.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead: While the initial deployments in Colorado mark a significant milestone, challenges remain. The state must navigate logistical hurdles, such as reaching remote areas with complex terrain, and address affordability concerns to ensure equitable access for all residents. However, the successful implementation of these early projects provides valuable insights and momentum for scaling efforts across the state.
The BEAD Program aims to connect all Americans to high-speed internet, but Colorado’s progress offers a hopeful example of how federal funds can drive meaningful change. As the program unfolds, communities nationwide will look to Kiowa and Elizabeth as trailblazers in the journey toward universal broadband access.
Read more about the BEAD Program and Colorado’s broadband efforts here:
