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Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program

BEAD is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the US Department of Commerce. The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) is managing the competitive grant process, subgrantee selection process and awardee monitoring and compliance. The state's Final Proposal was submitted to NTIA on September 4, 2025 and awaits NTIA approval.

OBO BEAD Final Proposal

Final Proposal Data Uploads by date (pending NTIA approval):

  • Attachments (September 4, 2025) 
  • Attachments (September 12, 2025; based on curing from NTIA) 
  • Attachments (September 16, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (September 24, 2025; based on curing from NTIA) 
  • Attachments (October 3, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (October 6, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (October 20, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (October 23, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (November 10, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (November 13, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (November 17, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)
  • Attachments (November 24, 2025; based on curing from NTIA)

Attachments:

BEAD Benefit of the Bargain FAQ

BEAD Benefit of the Bargain FAQ Updated 5:30 p.m. CT, July 21, 2025  

BEAD Applicant Resources

NTIA BEAD Policy Notice Published by NTIA on June 6, 2025. 

NTIA BEAD Final Proposal Guidance Published by NTIA in June, 2025. 

NTIA BEAD NOFO

OBO BEAD Benefit of the Bargain Primer Published on July 14, 2025.

Final BEAD Eligible BSLs Published on July 14, 2025.

Final BEAD Eligible CAIs Published on July 14, 2025.

Final Proposal Submission Requirements: Reason Codes

OBO BEAD FAQs (Some questions were subject to change based on the Policy Notice published June 6, 2025)

Other Resources

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Tribal Letter of Consent

Oklahoma BEAD Tribal Consent

Tribal Request for Support

Oklahoma BEAD Tribal Request for Support Letter

Below are templates approved by the specific Tribes:

Choctaw Nation

Cherokee Nation

BEAD Pre-Qualification

Pre-Qualification is now avaiilable for organizations interested in participating in the BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process. It is a requirement before organizations can apply for BEAD funding. Questions will be related to an organization's operational history, finances and personnel, among other topics. An organization will complete the pre-qualification within the BEAD portal. If an organization participated in the BEAD Challenge Process, request access to the portal by emailing okhelpdesk@ready.net. Use the subject line, "OPT-IN" and include associated company name, your name, and your email. 

For organizations new to the BEAD program, register for portal access here. 

Access the Pre-Qualification Guide here. 

Access the Pre-Qualficiation within the BEAD Portal here. 

For technical difficulties email okhelpdesk@ready.net.  

Per the NTIA Policy Notice, published on June 6, 2025, the Oklahoma Broadband Office must allow Unlicensed Fixed Wireless (ULFW) providers that currently offer service to BEAD-eligible locations seven calendar days to notify the OBO of their intent to provide evidence that BEAD funding is not required for locations they serve.   

According to the FCC's National Broadband Map, the following ULFW providers currently serve BEAD-eligible locations in Oklahoma:  

  • 360 Broadband 
  • Airosurf Communications 
  • Arbuckle Communications LLC 
  • Atlink Services 
  • BLS Broadband LLC 
  • Carnegie Telephone Company DBA Lightspeed Services, LLC 
  • Chisholm Broadband 
  • HTS Wireless 
  • Nextlink 
  • Osage Broadband 
  • Plains Internet LLC 
  • ProValue.Net 
  • Resonance Broadband LLC 
  • Resound Networks 
  • Rise Broadband 
  • Santa Rosa Telephone Coop, Inc. 
  • TekWav 
  • Wake Wireless 

In addition, any Internet service providers (ISPs) that currently offer service to BEAD eligible locations must notify the OBO of their intent to submit unequivocal evidence claiming BEAD-eligible locations no longer require funding, as detailed in NTIA’s Final Proposal Guidance. ISPs will have seven calendar days to provide notification.  

Eligible Entity Requirements

CostQuest Licenses

To access appropriate location data, the Oklahoma Broadband Office is requiring organizations that want to participate in BEAD to acquire a CostQuest license. This will allow an organization to view location data for mapping and planning purposes. To learn more click here.

Tier D License - Entities that participate in Federal Broadband Programs and will file challenges during state led challenges processes or relevant reporting will need a Tier D license. Examples: Recipients, sub-recipients, and prospective recipients of federal broadband funds from Federal Broadband Granting Agencies. Please use this link to request a license.   

Tier E License - Entities that seek to participate in the BEAD program challenge processes will need a Tier E license. Examples: Units of local government, non-profits, and FCC Tier 4 organizations. Please use this link to request a license.

In addition, Eligible Entities will need to have an active FCC Registration Number (FRN), Employer Identification Number (EIN) and/or a Unique Entity Identifier through Sam.gov.

Note: Unique Entity Identifiers will be needed at the time of award.

Initial Proposal Volume I has been approved by NTIA.  

In compliance with federal guidance, the BEAD Initial Proposal Volume I focuses on existing funding, unserved and underserved locations, community anchor institutions, and a challenge process.

View Initial Proposal Volume I

Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) play a critical role in delivering internet access and relaying information to residents. CAIs include, libraries, community centers, and other public entities that assist Oklahomans with critical high-speed internet required in our everyday lives.

View Oklahoma's Community Anchor Institutions

Click here to learn more about BEAD.

Initial Proposal Volume II has been approved by NTIA.

It focuses on how Oklahoma will deploy broadband across the state. It covers the subgrantee selection process, affordability plans, workforce readiness, and much more.

View the document here.

The state's Five Year Action Plan has been approved by NTIA.

BEAD Five Year Action Plan

Last Modified on Dec 02, 2025