Governor Joe Lombardo today announced the submission of Nevada's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for formal approval. Combined with previous broadband investments through the State Fiscal Recovery Fund and Capital Projects Fund, Nevada will deliver reliable high-speed internet to nearly 50,000 unserved and underserved homes, businesses, and community institutions statewide.

"Connecting every Nevadan to reliable, high-speed internet has been one of my top priorities since day one, and today we are delivering on that promise," said Governor Joe Lombardo. "By making smart, targeted investments, we are ensuring that every family, every student, and every business has the tools to thrive in the 21st century. This is about keeping our word to Nevadans and building a stronger, more connected future for our state."

Known as the High Speed Nevada Initiative Phase III, the plan represents the culmination of years of broadband mapping, planning, and stakeholder engagement. Over the past 13 months, the Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT) led multiple open and competitive bidding rounds to award funds. More than 2,700 applications were submitted by 21 providers, resulting in a competitive process that drove down costs and maximized taxpayer value.

"This plan ensures that every Nevadan, no matter where they live, will finally have access to reliable high-speed internet," said Brian Mitchell, Director of OSIT. "Broadband is essential for economic development, public safety, work, education, healthcare, and opportunity. The investments we're making today will pay dividends for decades, helping families, businesses, and entire communities thrive while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely."

Phase III of the High Speed Nevada Initiative will connect every unserved and underserved location in the state using the most effective mix of technologies, including fiber-optic, hybrid-fiber-coax, licensed fixed wireless, and satellite broadband, ensuring no community is left behind. Construction will take place over the next four years, bringing the benefits of connectivity to every corner of the state.

Phase III includes funding from: BEAD ($170 million), the State Fiscal Recovery Fund ($100 million), the Capital Projects Fund ($52 million) and private investment ($53 million). These investments build on the $275 million Nevada has already committed to middle-mile broadband projects, together representing the largest public-sector broadband investment in state history. With BEAD award recipient selection complete and BEAD Final Proposal submitted, Nevada now awaits final approval from NTIA, expected before the end of 2025. Projects funded through the State Fiscal Recovery Fund and Capital Projects Fund have commenced. More information about the BEAD program, the Final Proposal, and a list of awardees can be found on the OSIT website: osit.nv.gov.

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