(BPD) — The CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office on Monday announced the successful completion of its Benefit of the Bargain or BOTB BEAD Subgrant Application Round. This crucial round was mandated by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Restructuring Policy Notice, which was issued on June 6, 2025.
The BOTB round proceeded smoothly, reflecting the BPD’s commitment to a fair, open, and competitive subgrantee selection process. The BPD received multiple subgrant applications for each project funding area or PFA, encompassing a diverse range of broadband technologies, including fiber-optic, cable modem/hybrid fiber-coaxial, LEO satellite, and terrestrial fixed wireless. This strong participation underscores the shared vision for a digitally inclusive CNMI.
The BPD has diligently reviewed all submitted applications for each of the CNMI’s 21 PFAs. In alignment with the RPN, which restored the statutory definition of a “Priority Broadband Project” and removed the previous fiber preference, the BPD determined which projects met the rigorous criteria of a PBP. These criteria require the proposed network to deliver speeds of at least 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload with latency less than or equal to 100 milliseconds, and to be easily scalable to support evolving connectivity needs, 5G, and other advanced services.
“We are proud to announce that for every single one of the 21 PFAs in the CNMI, BPD received at least three applications that met the stringent definition of a Priority Broadband Project.”
Following this comprehensive review, the BPD applied the updated Scoring Rubric as directed by the RPN.
“Our preliminary selection of awardees for each PFA was based solely on the applicant who requested the least BEAD program outlay (funding), adhering to the RPN’s primary criterion of minimizing cost to the program.
The BPD has formally notified NTIA that we are ready for our Special Award Condition meeting. During this essential meeting, we will discuss the outcomes of our Subgrantee Selection Process and present our preliminary awardees to NTIA. Following this meeting, NTIA will determine the Provisional Subgrant Awardees, a critical step before public announcement.”
Upon NTIA’s determination of Provisional Subgrant Awardees, the BPD will proceed to complete its Draft Final Proposal. This Draft Final Proposal will then be made available for a mandatory 7-day public comment period before its final submission to NTIA for approval.
Once the Final Proposal receives NTIA’s approval, the BPD will enter into formal Subgrant Agreements with the Official Subgrant Awardees. This milestone will mark the beginning of implementation, with the BEAD-funded broadband networks required to be deployed and providing service to customers within four years from the date of the subgrant agreement.
The CNMI BPD remains dedicated to ensuring that every resident has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, fostering economic growth and digital equity across the Commonwealth.
About the BEAD Program
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, provides $42.45 billion in federal funding to all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories to expand high-speed internet access. Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the program focuses on broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and adoption activities, prioritizing unserved and underserved locations.
