Broadband means high-speed internet, and not everyone in Washington has access yet.
That’s why three broadband funders are working together – so all homes and businesses have the opportunity to access reliable internet services. This page provides an overview of broadband funding opportunities from:
- Washington State Broadband Office
- Community Economic Revitalization Board
- Public Works Board
We collaborate on key areas that improve program coordination and accessibility:
- data management and mapping
- technical assessments and metrics
- communications and outreach
Access to broadband boosts economic vitality, creates jobs and supports Washington’s businesses. It also fosters opportunities for telemedicine, online education and public safety.
Washington State Broadband Office
WSBO
Washington State Broadband Office oversees centralized broadband planning and vision-setting for statewide policy. WSBO currently leads distribution of Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD), the historic federal funding program for broadband construction. The Washington State Broadband Office may provide match funding for the required NTIA-25% of BEAD award, contingent upon legislative appropriation.
- Funding: First Round competitive grants, $1.2 billion
- Current Cycle: Nov. 12, 2024-Jan. 31, 2025 (BEAD). A second round opened March 18, 2025, and closed May 16, 2025.
- Eligible Activities: Construction projects that provide high-speed broadband infrastructure that meets the state’s goals of 150 Megabits (Mbps) upload and download speeds by 2028. Projects must be deployed in unserved communities.
- Eligible Applicants:
- federally recognized tribes
- nonprofit organizations
- nonprofit cooperative organizations
- local governments, including but not limited to ports and public utility districts
- private companies
- public-private partnerships
- public or private utilities
- Contact: InternetforAll@Commerce.wa.gov
Community Economic Revitalization Board
CERB
CERB Rural Broadband Program provides low-interest loan/grant packages to local governments and federally recognized tribes. This funding supports efforts to build infrastructure for high-speed, open-access broadband service in rural underserved communities, with a focus on economic development.
- Funding: noncompetitive loans/grants
- Current Cycle: continuous
- Eligible Activities: Construction projects that provide high-speed broadband access to unserved and underserved populations in rural communities.
- Eligible Applicants:
- federally recognized tribes
- local governments
- municipal corporations
- quasi-municipal corporations
- Requirements: All applicants must have a committed internet service provider.
- Contact: Janea Stark, executive director and tribal liaison
Public Works Board
PWB
PWB Broadband Programs fund construction of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure and promote the expansion of broadband in unserved areas. The PWB emergency broadband program supports reconstruction of infrastructure after disasters and unforeseen events. The program offers technical assistance to communities for project development and implementation, and collaborates with WSBO in determining key policy and rules.
- Funding:
- Construction – competitive loans/grants
- Emergency – first-come, first-served, until funds are exhausted
- Current Cycle:
- Construction – TBD
- Emergency – open continuously
- Eligible Activities: Construction projects that provide high-speed broadband access to unserved populations in rural and urban communities.
- Eligible Applicants:
- cooperative associations
- federally recognized tribes
- incorporated businesses, LLCs, partnerships
- local governments (port districts, PUDs, other special purpose districts)
- multiparty entities
- nonprofits
- Requirements: All applicants must notify project area internet service providers at least six weeks before application, except for emergency applicants who are repairing damaged infrastructure.
- Contact: Sheila Richardson, PWB programs director