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Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott today announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Vermont’s $100 million proposal to use Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to extend access to reliable, high speed, and affordable broadband services to areas where it currently does not exist.
BEAD, a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, sets the goal of connecting every American to high-speed internet by funding partnerships within states to build infrastructure.
Vermont’s proposal, which has been approved by the NTIA, will result in more than 99 percent of households having access to affordable, high-speed internet services.
“This is a major milestone for many of our rural towns and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen and revitalize communities,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I want to thank Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arielle Roth and her team at NTIA for their leadership of this complex federal initiative, Vermont’s congressional delegation for their support of this important program, and the Vermont Community Broadband Board for developing and administering Vermont’s approved plan.”
“Approval of Vermont’s BEAD plan builds on the momentum that is increasing broadband access across the state, progress Fidium has helped lead through our all-fiber network expansion,” said Sarah Davis, vice president of Market Development for Fidium. “Fiber offers the reliability, performance and long-term resilience that Vermont’s communities depend on, and we are excited to bring 100% fiber service directly to even more locations as the result of our partnership with VCBB. As we continue to expand into rural communities and strengthen the state’s digital infrastructure, Fidium is ensuring Vermonters have access to fast, future proof connectivity for decades to come.”
Fidium Vermont stats
- Since 2021, Fidium has expanded access to its 100% fiber network to more than 150,000 Vermont homes and businesses (through 2025)
- Fidium continues to expand fiber to the premise (FTTP) access in the state, adding 4,400+ fiber miles to its network
- In total, this has come as the result of more than $150M in investment in Vermont expansion (includes $22M in grant funding with VCBB and CUD partnerships)
- With the approval of Vermont’s BEAD application by the NTIA, Fidium will receive $9M in funding to deliver fiber access to more than 4,500 locations. When combined with Fidium’s own investment, 16,700+ Vermont homes and businesses will benefit as a result.
- New fiber access will be delivered across the state, including to locations and communities that have never before been connected to reliable, high-speed broadband. Fiber access will be life changing for these Vermonters, creating positive change and open the door to new opportunities.
“Congratulations to Vermont on the approval of its BEAD Final Proposal,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “Subject to effective oversight, the Green Mountain State is positioned to deliver universal connectivity throughout the state. I look forward to monitoring Vermont’s progress as we work to deliver on the promise of connecting Vermont and the country.”
Projects funded through BEAD will deliver broadband that meets or exceeds the federal performance standard of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. The program provides funding to all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia to deploy or upgrade broadband infrastructure and ensure access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet service.
States were required to submit Initial and Final Proposals to NTIA describing how they will use BEAD funds to serve all eligible locations. BEAD requires recipients to finish the work within four years of the grant award.
More information about Vermont’s BEAD and ongoing broadband efforts can be found on the VCBB’s VT-BEAD webpage.
2.10.2026. 109 State Street | The Pavilion | Montpelier, VT 05609-0101 | www.vermont.gov
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