The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity today reopened the prequalification window for internet service providers to participate in the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program that will provide $1.5 billion to North Carolina for high-speed internet expansion projects.
"The BEAD program will help us connect all North Carolinians to affordable, reliable high-speed internet by 2030, enabling remote work, job applications, educational access, telehealth services, and much more," said Annette Taylor, NCDIT Deputy Secretary for Broadband and Digital Opportunity. "The prequalification process is a crucial step, assisting both NCDIT and broadband providers in gearing up for the forthcoming BEAD project applications and subgrantee selection.”
Prequalification is intended to streamline the application process and ensure applicants meet the program’s minimum and mandatory requirements. Many broadband providers already submitted materials during the previous prequalification window, and NCDIT is re-opening the window to encourage additional participation. Providers must complete the qualification process during either the prequalification windows or during the project application phase before they can be considered for project applications that may result in project funding.
The division created a guidance document to assist broadband providers in preparing the responses and documentation needed to prequalify, as well as gathering the information required to assess their financial, technical, managerial, operational and other capabilities as outlined in the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity.
The BEAD prequalification guidance, response form and checklist are available on the division’s website at ncbroadband.gov/BEAD-prequalification. The deadline to submit applications/information to prequalify is 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
NCDIT has already awarded more than $635 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to date to connect homes and businesses across the state to high-speed internet. The division is using ARPA funds first to meet the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Dec. 31, 2026, deadline and will subsequently use BEAD funding to connect remaining high-cost, unserved and underserved locations by 2030. The division is closely monitoring federal program changes to incorporate into the BEAD program subgrantee selection process as needed this summer.
For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity and the BEAD program, please visit ncbroadband.gov.