Apr 1, 2026

Mississippi received final federal approval for its comprehensive plan to expand broadband infrastructure to every area of the state that still lacks access to high‑speed internet. This approval marks the latest milestone for Mississippi under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) granted the approval on February 9, 2026.
 
In Mississippi, the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) will administer the program and oversee implementation of the state’s broadband buildout. BEAM accepted applications from internet providers late this summer and used a competitive process to select awardees. Preliminary awards totaled more than $508 million to reach 93,000 unserved households, and participating providers will contribute an additional $321 million in private funding to complete the buildout.