The Deployment Phase allows qualified applicants to apply for funding to complete infrastructure projects for the remaining underserved or unserved BSLs across Massachusetts. The Phase is anticipated to launch on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

The following entities are eligible to apply for funding through the Deployment Phase:

• Private companies (e.g. corporations, limited liability companies, general partnerships, limited partnerships, etc.);
• Local government entities (e.g. municipalities or municipal light plants that offer broadband service)
• Tribal governments
• Non-profit organizations
• Co-operatives, electric co-operatives and public or private utilities;
• Public utility districts;
• Public Private Partnerships, which are the long-term agreements between local government entities and private entities for the delivery and funding of broadband services; and 
• Other entities that develop and/or operate broadband networks and can demonstrate the experience, capacity and financial resources and stability to satisfy the grant obligations.

Organizations applying for funding through the Deployment Phase that have already completed and been approved by MBI during the Pre-Qualification Process may proceed directly to submit the full project application.

Those organizations who did not successfully complete or participate in the Pre-Qualification process must submit their qualification information and documentation prior to beginning the process of completing and submitting the full project application.

All interested applicants should closely review all documents and the timeline on the solicitation page.

BEAD Pre-Qualification Process

Prior to the opening of the Deployment Phase, MBI administered a Pre-Qualification Process for the BEAD Program. The Pre-Qualification Process was open from September 26, 2024 until October 28, 2024. This process strongly encouraged interested BEAD applicants to pre-qualify for grant eligibility through the Deployment Phase by supporting the review and approval of subgrantee applications to certify that potential applicants meet necessary qualification requirements.