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Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program

Overview

Middle mile infrastructure is any broadband infrastructure that does not connect directly to an end-user location. It is the "interstate highways of the Internet, carrying large amounts of data at high speeds to connect entire communities," as Assistant Secretary Davidson says.

The Middle Mile Grant Program provides funding for the expansion and extension of middle mile infrastructure across U.S. states and territories. In total, the program allocated $980 million to fund projects for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure covering more than 370 counties across 40 states and Puerto Rico in Summer 2023. The ultimate purpose of this funding is to expand and strengthen U.S. high-speed Internet networks by reducing the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the Internet backbone.

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Notice of Funding Opportunity

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Post-Award Frequently Asked Questions

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Application Guidance

NEPA Guidance and Tools

Smart Start for BEAD
Guidance on NTIA National Environmental Policy Act Compliance
NEPA for BEAD FAQs
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Program Comment for Federal Communications Projects
NHPA Consultation Process Fact Sheet
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Consultation Process Fact Sheet
EHP Fact Sheet Thumbnail
Environmental & Historic Preservation Fact Sheet
ESA Section 7 Fact Sheet
Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 Consultations Fact Sheet
Wetland Regulatory Authority Fact Sheet
Wetland Regulatory Authority Fact Sheet
NEPA Review: Categorical Exclusions
NEPA Review: Categorical Exclusions Fact Sheet
Environmental Assessment Fact Sheet
NEPA Review: Environmental Assessments Fact Sheet

NEPA: Environmental and Historic Preservation Compliance Webinar

Download Slide Deck
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Permitting and Environmental

Information Application

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NBAM Training Series: NTIA Permitting and Environmental Information Application

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Technical Assistance

Find information, technical assistance, and documentation to help manage your award.

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Program Archive

Need assistance with our programs? Visit our program support page for information about who to contact for each funding program.

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Press Releases

Keep up with all of the latest news and updates for this program. Visit the Press Release page.

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Blog

Need documents from past stages of the program? Visit the program archive for past FAQs, program documentation, and assistance sessions.

Constructing the Digital Landscape: Highlights of NTIA’s Middle Mile Program

By: Sarah Salgado, Broadband Program Specialist, Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth  

Generations before us built infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewer systems to serve everyone in America. Now, it is our generation’s turn to connect everyone in America to the tools they need to thrive in the modern digital economy through reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. Achieving this ambitious goal requires the development of middle mile infrastructure.

Stories from NTIA’s Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program

The Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program provides funding for the expansion and extension of middle mile infrastructure across U.S. states and territories. In total, the program allocated $980 million to fund projects for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure covering more than 370 counties across 40 states and Puerto Rico in Summer 2023. The ultimate purpose of this funding is to expand and strengthen U.S. high-speed Internet networks by reducing the cost of connecting areas that are unserved or underserved to the Internet backbone.

Scoring Big on Your Middle Mile Application Series: Understanding Review and Applicant Information

Why Middle Mile Matters

Middle mile infrastructure bridges the gap between where information is stored and the people interacting with it – it's an essential part of reliable, high-speed Internet access. Because of the nation’s middle mile networks, anyone in America can transfer data across the world, enabling community, competition, learning, and well-being.

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