Brightspeed secures $222M BEAD funding for rural internet expansion

Brightspeed, the third-largest fiber broadband provider in the United States, has secured over $222 million in federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program grants. The funding, which was announced on August 27, 2025, will enable the company to expand its high-speed internet network to over 73,000 homes and businesses across six states: Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Bringing Connectivity to Underserved Communities

The BEAD program funding will allow Brightspeed to extend its fiber-optic network to rural and suburban communities that have historically lacked access to fast and reliable internet. According to Brightspeed Executive Chairman and CEO Michel Combes, the initiative aligns with the company’s mission of bridging the digital divide. "From day one, we set out with an ambitious mission: to transform connectivity for millions of Americans across 20 states by building a world-class fiber network in rural and suburban communities left behind by yesterday's providers", Combes said. "The BEAD program accelerates that mission, unlocking an unprecedented opportunity to deliver life-changing connections that empower families, fuel businesses and ignite local economies. And we're only just getting started. We are actively pursuing even more BEAD funding to expand our impact in the states we serve."

The funding breakdown reveals the wide reach of Brightspeed’s upcoming projects. Wisconsin received the largest share of the grants with $134.95 million, enabling connectivity for 44,276 locations. Pennsylvania followed with $40.11 million to reach 9,126 locations. Other allocations include $26.27 million for Arkansas (13,791 locations), $16.66 million for Virginia (4,963 locations), $2.26 million for Georgia (1,405 locations), and $1.89 million for Oklahoma (148 locations).

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Expanding a National Network

Brightspeed’s fiber internet service is already available to approximately 318,000 homes and businesses in Arkansas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Thousands of additional locations are being added monthly as part of the company’s broader initiative to invest billions in building next-generation fiber-optic broadband networks across 20 states. The BEAD awards represent the beginning of Brightspeed’s network expansion in Oklahoma.

The company’s efforts have been further bolstered by previous funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin collectively awarded Brightspeed over $8.1 million in ARPA grants, complementing the company’s $15.5 million investment in those states. Together, these initiatives have already provided high-speed internet access to more than 9,000 additional Americans.

A Lifeline for Families and Businesses

Highlighting the transformative potential of the expanded network, Pamela Sherwood, Brightspeed’s Broadband Office Vice President, emphasized the importance of connectivity. "For families and business owners, fast, affordable and reliable internet isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline", Sherwood stated. "With our planned network builds and the support of the BEAD program, we're not just expanding access, we're delivering a game-changing victory for communities across our footprint. This funding empowers us to bring ultra-fast internet to even more Americans, unlocking new opportunities for work, learning, health care and growth."

Brightspeed remains committed to pursuing additional federal and state funding to support its fiber network expansion. The company’s continued efforts aim to ensure that more Americans, particularly those in underserved areas, gain access to the high-speed connectivity that has become essential in modern life.

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