Lincoln - The Nebraska Public Service Commission has approved an Order (C-5484) awarding 22 grants totaling nearly $20 million from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP).
“We are pleased that carriers continue to utilize this program as a viable way to help providebroadband to unserved and underserved Nebraskans,” said Commission Chair Dan Watermeier.
Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act (Neb. Rev. Stat § 86 1301-1310) the NBBPprovides up to $20 million dollars annually for the development of broadband networks capableof at least 100/100 Mbps (up/down) in unserved and underserved areas of the state.
During the 2023 grant cycle, the Commission received 51 applications for funding through the NBBP. As part of the grant review process, the Commission also received challenges from parties stating that they already served an area covered by a grant application, or plan to provide service to the area in the near future.
Upon review of the applications and the challenges received the Commission determined 22submissions would be funded. The grants awarded were submitted by 10 providers for a total of$19,713,379.26. Projects funded through today’s awards must be completed by July 9, 2025.Providers may apply for one six-month extension.
Commissioner Watermeier said, “ We look forward to watching these projects come to fruitionaccess to broadband continues to increase throughout the state.”
A detailed list of projects approved through the 2023 grant cycle and funding amounts can be found on the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program page of the PSC website.