FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PSC AWARDS NEBRASKA BROADBAND
BRIDGE PROGRAM GRANTS
Lincoln, January 9, 2024- The Nebraska Public Service
Commission has approved an Order (C-5484) awarding 22
grants totaling nearly $20 million from the Nebraska
Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP).
“We are pleased that carriers continue to utilize this program
as a viable way to help provide broadband to unserved and
underserved Nebraskans,” said Commission Chair Dan
Watermeier.
Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act (Neb. Rev.
Stat § 86 1301-1310) the NBBP provides up to $20 million
dollars annually for the development of broadband
networks capable of at least 100/100 Mbps (up/down) in
unserved and underserved areas of the state.
During the 2023 grant cycle, the Commission received 51
applications for funding through the NBBP. As part of the
grant review process, the Commission also received
challenges from parties stating that they already served an
area covered by a grant application, or plan to provide
service to the area in the near future.
Upon review of the applications and the challenges
received the Commission determined 22 submissions
would be funded. The grants awarded were submitted by
10 providers for a total of $19,713,379.26. Projects funded
through today’s awards must be completed by July 9, 2025.
Providers may apply for one six-month extension.
Commissioner Watermeier said, “ We look forward to
watching these projects come to fruition access to
broadband continues to increase throughout the state.”
A detailed list of projects approved through the 2023 grant
cycle and funding amounts can be found on the Nebraska
Broadband Bridge Program page of the PSC website. ###
Contact: Deb Collins- Communications & Media Mgr.
(402) 471-0226 / deb.collins@nebraska.gov
