The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) would like to inform you of an important update regarding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This information is provided in light of the June 6, 2025, BEAD Program Restructuring Policy Notice (Policy Notice) issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
As a result of the Policy Notice, PBDA defers all Round One BEAD applications and will establish a new BEAD Round Two – the federally required “Benefit of the Bargain” Round. All applications submitted to PBDA during Round One will be reevaluated and rescored in accordance with the Policy Notice, and applicants will have the opportunity to submit revised or supplemental application materials. PBDA encourages all potential applicants to review the Policy Notice. We also strongly encourage new applicants to participate in this required BEAD Round Two, which PBDA anticipates will be the final application round for the BEAD Program. The Policy Notice affords states 90 days to comply with the Policy Notice and to submit a Final Proposal that reflects the results of BEAD Round Two.
Given the Policy Notice, PBDA anticipates all Round Two applications, both new and as revised/supplemented, will be evaluated using an updated scoring system, which will be posted on the PBDA BEAD Program Page. Additional guidance and resources, including revised BEAD Guidelines, will be shared via the PBDA’s email list and on PBDA’s BEAD Program Page.
For questions or support throughout the application process, please contact us at ra-dcpbda_bead@pa.gov.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to expand broadband access across the Commonwealth.