Governor Joe Lombardo announced the submission of Nevada’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for formal approval.

This initiative, combined with previous investments, aims to provide reliable high-speed internet to nearly 50,000 unserved and underserved homes, businesses, and community institutions across the state.

“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 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.”

The High Speed Nevada Initiative Phase III is the result of extensive broadband mapping, planning, and stakeholder engagement. Over the past 13 months, the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology led multiple open and competitive bidding rounds, receiving over 2,700 applications from 21 providers. This competitive process helped reduce costs and maximize 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 will connect every unserved and underserved location in Nevada using a mix of technologies, including fiber-optic, hybrid-fiber-coax, licensed fixed wireless, and satellite broadband. Construction is set to take place over the next four years.

The funding for Phase III includes $170 million from BEAD, $100 million from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, $52 million from the Capital Projects Fund, and $53 million in private investment. These investments, along with the $275 million already committed to middle-mile broadband projects, represent the largest public-sector broadband investment in Nevada’s history. Final approval from NTIA is expected before the end of 2025.