BEAD requires states to connect all 9,417 apartment buildings that the FCC National Broadband Map has identified as unserved and underserved. Free Apartment Wi-Fi is the most cost-effective way to meet this requirement. In addition, there are 75,378 buildings that are eligible for the priority use of BEAD funds. EducationSuperHighway can support states with data and model language for Volume 1 of their Initial Proposals to maximize BEAD funding for Free Apartment Wi-Fi programs.

NTIA’s recent guidance recommends that states investigate the connectivity status of BEAD-eligible MDUs beyond those listed as unserved on the FCC National Broadband Map. The map identifies multifamily housing developments as one Broadband Serviceable Location (BSL), which means it does not represent broadband availability of the individual units, significantly understating the number of unserved and underserved MDUs. NTIA’s BEAD Challenge Process Policy includes a BEAD Model Challenge Process that states can adopt in its entirety to complete Volume 1 of BEAD Initial Proposals.

We provide planners with state- and city-level data on the number of buildings eligible for public funding, the unconnected households and populations reached, and the estimated deployment costs. Additionally, we provide technical and procurement support at the local level, assisting with the building owner and service provider outreach and developing awareness campaigns for resident adoption.