BEAD Program Framework for Broadband Funding in South Carolina

This document is a technical report detailing the BEAD Program's framework for allocating funding to enhance broadband availability in South Carolina. It outlines the number of unserved and underserved locations eligible for funding, with specific statistics indicating that 142,000 locations lack high-speed broadband access as of June 2023. The report presents estimated funding allocations, including $552 million in BEAD funding and an estimated provider match of $283 million, totaling approximately $835 million in capital available for deployment. Various deployment scenarios are discussed, highlighting the prioritization of fiber deployment to unserved locations while considering budget constraints. The report also includes a summary of the average costs associated with deploying fiber and fixed wireless technologies, as well as the expected coverage outcomes based on different funding strategies. The findings suggest that South Carolina can achieve significant broadband coverage improvements through strategic funding allocation and deployment planning.