Oregon's BEAD Final Proposal Approved, Unlocking Historic Broadband Investment Statewide
Oregon will achieve 100% broadband coverage in BEAD-eligible locations with 19 awardees and 313 total projects
Oregon has reached a major milestone in its efforts to close the digital divide. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Oregon's Final Proposal for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, authorizing the state to move forward implementing the largest broadband infrastructure investment in Oregon's history. Through this approval, Oregon will invest $689 million to expand affordable, high-speed, and reliable internet service across the state. The initiative is expected to connect 104,654 unserved and underserved households, healthcare facilities, and businesses, with a strong focus on rural communities, tribal lands, and other historically underserved areas. This investment will not only bridge the digital divide but also create new opportunities in education, healthcare, agriculture, business, and daily life.
"High-speed internet is essential infrastructure," Governor Tina Kotek said. "Federal dollars, when received by the state, will make sure every Oregonian can access reliable and affordable internet. This funding will strengthen rural communities, honor our commitments to Tribal nations, and strengthen education, healthcare, and economic opportunity across the state."
Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the BEAD program supports last-mile broadband deployment and prioritizes projects that deliver long-term economic and social benefits. In Oregon, approved projects will span 36 counties and 7 of the 9 federally recognized tribes, covering 212 District Grant Areas, and supporting 313 broadband deployment projects statewide.
"I'm glad the teamwork with state and federal officials has produced this win for rural Oregonians who need and deserve modern access to the internet for jobs, school research, emergency services, telehealth appointments, and more," said US Senator Wyden, who worked to fix the federal broadband maps to provide this $689 million for Oregon. "There's more work to be done to bridge the digital divide statewide, but I pushed for this funding and made sure it included key federal investments in the education of students in Malheur County as well as in the towns of Grants Pass, Chiloquin, and Ontario."
In addition to expanding broadband access, BEAD investments are expected to:
- Improve access to telehealth, remote learning, and workforce training
- Strengthen emergency response and public safety communications
- Support small businesses, agriculture, and economic development in rural Oregon
"Business Oregon is excited to be a part of this historic program that will empower communities and change Oregon's digital landscape," said Sophorn Cheang, Director of Business Oregon. "Local businesses will gain access to cloud services, e-commerce, and global markets. Farmers and ranchers will benefit from real-time data and precision technology. Students and teachers will access digital classrooms and learning resources. Families will have improved access to healthcare, remote job opportunities, and digital services. This is delivering 21st-century infrastructure to our rural and underserved communities."
The Oregon Broadband Office will work closely with internet service providers, local governments, tribes, and community partners as projects move into contracting and construction. Most projects will not begin until late 2026.
"This is a transformative moment for Oregon's rural communities. BEAD funding will help close the digital divide that has left too many of our neighbors disconnected from educational opportunities, healthcare resources, and economic participation," said Tim Rosener, Chair of the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council and Mayor of the City of Sherwood. "I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Oregon Broadband Office for their incredible work in securing and deploying these critical federal investments. Their results-driven dedication has been remarkable, and I'm excited to see the lasting impact this will have on connectivity across our state."
View all broadband-eligible locations and check your address on the Oregon BEAD District Grant Area tool.
"I am incredibly proud and appreciative of the work done by our team and stakeholders over the past three years. They have toiled countless hours behind the scenes to bring high-speed, reliable broadband internet access to Oregonians left on the wrong side of the digital divide," said Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office. "This will change lives by enabling all Oregonians to fully participate in today's digital world."
For more information about Oregon's BEAD program and broadband expansion efforts, visit the Oregon Broadband Office website at https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/BEAD/.
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