MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — State and federal officials from all over the country met in Myrtle Beach on Wednesday to discuss a $42 billion broadband, equity, access and deployment program.
The program, known as BEAD, was created by the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund projects to expand high-speed internet access, especially in underserved areas. Last month, South Carolina’s plan to use $551 million in BEAD funding received final approval.
On Wednesday, leaders from six states discussed how remaining funds could be invested to help close the digital divide through partnerships between public and private sectors. Jim Stritzinger, the director of the South Carolina Broadband Office, said when the Palmetto State made its first statewide internet investment in June 2020, more than 300,000 homes and businesses were without broadband.
Now, 32,500 homes and businesses are still without broadband. Thursday’s event in Myrtle Beach brought together six state broadband directors to discuss the allocating and use of federal funds, specifically the BEAD program.