The state of Mississippi’s plan to provide high-speed internet to areas of the state lacking it has received final approval from the federal government.
According to Gov. Tate Reeves, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the plan under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program on Monday. In Mississippi, the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) will administer the program and oversee implementation of the state’s broadband buildout.
BEAM accepted applications from internet providers in the 2025 summer and used a competitive process to select awardees. Preliminary awards totaled more than $508 million to reach 93,000 unserved households, and participating providers will contribute an additional $321 million in private funding to complete the buildout, marking more than $829 million in total funding.
“Expanding high‑speed internet to every corner of Mississippi isn’t just about technology — it’s about opportunity. This buildout will strengthen our workforce, support our small businesses, and open the door for new industries to invest in our state,” Reeves said. “When we connect more Mississippians, we grow our economy, we create jobs, and we build a stronger future for our people.”
A dozen internet providers will participate in Mississippi’s BEAD program, though the companies were not listed. BEAM director Sally Doty noted that the plan will be executed efficiently to ensure the most underserved areas are reached in a manner that sidesteps potential waste.
“The BEAM office conducted detailed mapping and engineering reviews to make sure this funding goes to those lacking service and to prevent wasteful overbuilding,” Doty said. “As buildouts begin, a comprehensive monitoring plan will track progress and ensure that all funding is used in the most efficient manner possible. At the end of the day, this effort is about giving every Mississippian the chance to fully participate in the digital world.”