Broadband means high-speed internet, and not everyone in Washington has access yet.
That’s why three broadband funders are working together – so all homes and businesses have the opportunity to access reliable internet services. This page provides an overview of broadband funding opportunities from:
- Washington State Broadband Office
- Community Economic Revitalization Board
- Public Works Board
We collaborate on key areas that improve program coordination and accessibility:
- Data management and mapping
- Technical assessments and metrics
- Communications and outreach
Access to broadband boosts economic vitality, creates jobs and supports Washington’s businesses. It also fosters opportunities for telemedicine, online education and public safety.
Washington State Broadband Office
Washington State Broadband Office oversees centralized broadband planning and vision-setting for statewide policy. WSBO currently leads distribution of Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD), the historic federal funding program for broadband construction.
Funding: First Round competitive grants, $1.2 billion
Current Cycle: Nov. 12, 2024-Jan. 31, 2025 (BEAD). A second round may open in February 2025 if funding remains.
Eligible Activities: Construction projects that provide high-speed broadband infrastructure that meets the state’s goals of 150 Megabytes (MBps) upload and download speeds by 2028. Projects must be deployed in unserved communities.
Eligible Applicants:
- federally recognized tribes
- nonprofit organizations
- nonprofit cooperative organizations
- local governments, including but not limited to ports and public utility districts
- private companies
- public-private partnerships
- public or private utilities
Approximately $300 million in state match is available for local governments and tribes.
Contact: InternetforAll@Commerce.wa.gov
Community Economic Revitalization Board
CERB Rural Broadband Program provides low-interest loan/grant packages to local governments and federally recognized tribes. This funding supports efforts to build infrastructure for high-speed, open-access broadband service in rural underserved communities, with a focus on economic development.
Funding: Non-competitive loans/grants
Current Cycle: Continuous
Eligible Activities: Construction projects that provide high-speed broadband access to unserved and underserved populations in rural communities.
Eligible Applicants:
- federally recognized tribes
- local governments
- municipal corporations
- quasi-municipal corporations
Requirements: All applicants must have a committed internet service provider.
Contact: Janea Stark, executive director and tribal liaison
Public Works Board
PWB Broadband Programs fund construction of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure and promote the expansion of broadband in unserved areas. Within PWB, the emergency broadband program supports reconstruction of infrastructure damaged or destroyed by disasters and unforeseen circumstances. The program offers technical assistance to communities for project development and implementation, and collaborates with WSBO to determine technical feasibility of construction projects, including objections to proposed project applications.
Funding: Competitive loans/grants
Current Cycle: Emergency funding open continuously
Eligible Activities: Construction projects that provide high-speed broadband access to unserved populations in rural and urban communities.
Eligible Applicants:
- cooperative associations
- incorporated businesses or partnerships
- LLCs organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access
- local governments
- nonprofit organizations
- quasi-municipal corporations
- tribes
Requirements:
All applicants must notify project area internet service providers at least six weeks before application.
Contact: Sheila Richardson, PWB broadband program manager
