By Nebraska Broadband Office
LINCOLN, Neb. — Today, Nebraska has reached another major milestone in its effort to expand high-speed internet access statewide. Seven companies have completed subgrant executions through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The signed and fully committed agreements will bring broadband coverage to 88 percent of the 14,032 eligible locations across the state.
This milestone follows federal changes made to the BEAD program in 2025 by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The updated guidance required states to reopen the application process and allow internet providers to compete for funding through a new “Benefit of the Bargain” process focused on cost efficiency, technology neutrality and broadband service quality.
“What makes Nebraskans great is we don’t settle for mediocre. And through this process we found a group of providers that will meet the high standards we have for connectivity,” Governor Jim Pillen said. “When running a state like a business, you have to promote competitiveness to drive down costs while also ensuring a quality product. We are thankful for the Trump Administration’s Benefit of the Bargain that has put us in a position to be competitive and effective in our mission to provide all homes, farms and small businesses a reliable high-speed broadband option.”
The seven companies with completed subgrant agreements are:
- AMG Technology Investment Group, LLC dba Nextlink
- Inventive Wireless of Nebraska LLC dba Vistabeam
- Midstates Data Transport LLC dba Stealth
- Mobius Communications Co . Nedelco, Incorporated dba Hamilton
- Quick Current-Nebraska LLC
- Space Exploration Technologies Corp. dba Starlink
Among the awarded providers, Nextlink was awarded approximately 56 percent of the locations.
"Nextlink is honored to be Nebraska's largest BEAD partner, entrusted with the responsibility to serve nearly 8,000 homes, farms, ranches and small businesses across the state,” said Claude Aiken, Chief Strategy Officer, Nextlink Internet. “This is more than a broadband program: it's an investment in Nebraska's next generation of opportunity, ensuring rural communities have the connectivity to build, compete and thrive on equal footing with anywhere in America. We're grateful to the Nebraska Broadband Office for its leadership, and proud to deliver on the promise this program represents."
Work has already begun on the 88 percent of BEAD eligible locations, with one household confirmed to be connected. The connected home near Ogallala was the first reported connection in the nation under the BEAD program.
Currently, there are 1,735 locations in Nebraska without commitments.
“Nebraska continues to punch above its weight, and this group of providers will help us fulfill our commitment of reliable broadband options to all Nebraskans,” said Vicki Kramer, Nebraska Broadband Office Interim Director and Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). “But the work is far from done.
Using the combined resources of the Broadband Office and the NDOT, we have streamlined processes and will deliver connections efficiently as we transition from planning to implementation, we are ready.”
In order to serve the remaining eligible locations, the Nebraska Broadband Office (NBO) will open another application round to promote competition between internet providers with a focus on quality and end-user experience. This approach will create new opportunities for both providers and the state. In addition, NBO will publish a new map outlining the remaining inventory available for application in the coming weeks.
"Throughout each application round, we've gained valuable insight into how project areas can be structured more effectively," said NBO Deputy Director Patrick Redmond. "By refining project areas based on real-world lessons learned, we expect to improve efficiency, reduce overall program costs and create a smoother process for applicants - all while maintaining our focus on delivering high-quality, reliable broadband service to Nebraskans."
NBO remains focused on ensuring that every eligible Nebraska location has access to reliable, high-speed broadband service as implementation continues statewide.