12 Miss. Code. R. 12-2.3 - Common requirements of broadband infrastructure categories

All categories of the BEAM Fund Grant Programs share the following requirements:

(1) Limited to projects in locations in which at least 80 percent of the residences, businesses, and community institutions are without access to broadband service as defined in Rule 1.4(2);

(2) Download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 20 Mbps, with demonstrated scalability to 100 Mbps;

(3) Project costs limited to new construction and may be directly related to the upfront investment associated with installing and/or upgrading existing broadband facilities on a onetime capital improvement basis.

(4) Awards limited to $5 million per project unless substantial justification for a higher amount is presented to and approved by BEAM, with projects being reimbursed for actual capital expenses up to the maximum project cost identified in the award;

(5) Disbursements to be made from the BEAM Fund by the Department of Finance and Administration following provision by the grantee of verifiable information that moneys were expended consistent with the terms of the final determination awarded by BEAM and any requirements of applicable federal law;

(6) Projects which are selected may be reimbursed for actual capital expenses up to the maximum project cost identified in the award.

(7) Participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

(8) Funding shall not be used for costs that are reimbursable by other federal funding streams but may be used for complementary funding;

(9) Projects that incidentally cover served addresses may be reimbursable if the expenditure is not solely to benefit a served address, but customer drops, installations, and equipment at incidentally served addresses are not eligible for reimbursement; and

(10) Compliance with all state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and guidance is required.

Notes

12 Miss. Code. R. 12-2.3

2022 Miss. Laws, Ch. 397 (H.B. No. 1029)

Adopted 12/7/2022