Upcoming Engagement Meetings: Local Planning for BEAD - 12/21/2023 (updated 1/18/2024)
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BEAM is preparing for the upcoming BEAD challenge process to finalize the state's broadband map for future funding opportunities. To prepare for this process, BEAM has partnered with the Mississippi Association of Planning and Development Districts (MAPDD) and the Mississippi Alliance for Nonprofits and Philanthropy to host a series of meetings across the state in January. These meetings will outline the challenge process for permissible challengers as defined in the BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 1 (local and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and internet service providers). These meetings are all open to the public, and BEAM invites any interested individuals to attend. Please see the list below to find the meeting nearest you.
Wednesday, January 17
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10:00 am Central MS PDD -1020 Centre Pointe Blvd,Pearl, MS 39208POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER: NEW DATE - Tuesday, February 6 (details listed below) -
2:00 pm North Central PDD -28 Industrial Park Blvd, Winona, MS 38967POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER: NEW DATE - Tuesday, February 6 (details listed below)
Thursday, January 18
- 10:00 am Southwest MS PDD - Grand Hotel Natchez, 111 North Broadway Street, Natchez MS 39120
Friday, January 19
- 10:00 am Southern MS PDD - 10441 Corporate Drive, Gulfport, MS 39503
- 2:00 pm Southern MS PDD - 914 Sullivan Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Tuesday, January 30
- 9:00 am East Central PDD - 280 Commercial Drive, Newton, MS 39345
- 2:00 pm Golden Triangle PDD - 106 Miley Drive, Starkville, MS 39759
Wednesday, January 31
- 10:00 am Three Rivers PDD - Cadence Bank Conference Center (Pine/ Maple/ Cedar Rooms - West Hall), 375 E Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804
- 2:00 pm Northeast MS PDD - 619 East Parker Drive, Booneville, MS 38829
Thursday, February 1
- 9:00 am North Delta PDD - 220 Power Drive, Batesville, MS 38606
- 2:00 pm South Delta PDD - 1427 S Main Street, Greenville, MS 38702
Tuesday, February 6 (Make-up Dates for January 17 Meetings)
- 10:00 am Central MS PDD - 1020 Centre Pointe Blvd, Pearl, MS 39208
- 2:00 pm North Central PDD - 28 Industrial Park Blvd, Winona, MS 38967
Mississippi's BEAD 5-year Action Plan - 09/15/2023
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program requires each state to submit a five-year plan that shares information regarding preparations for BEAD funding. The NOFO details the information to be provided, including but not limited to, the structure and activities of the state broadband office (BEAM), current and projected funding sources, data collection strategies, partnerships, alignment with other state agencies, stakeholder engagement strategies, identification of barriers and obstacles to service, key implementation strategies, expected costs, and a timeline for universal service. To review Mississippi's 5- year plan developed by BEAM, please click here.
The 5-year plan includes strategies and variables that will necessarily change over the course of BEAD implementation. BEAM anticipates updating the plan as new information becomes available. While no public comment period is required for this plan, the BEAM office seeks input and comments from interested stakeholders. Comments were accepted from September 15, 2023, until 12:00 pm on September 25, 2023. Comments may be submitted to comments@beam.ms.gov.