The Broadband Matching Grants Initiative (BMGI), established by RSA 12-O:61-63, makes an initial $25 million available to provide matching grants to internet service providers (ISPs) and municipalities to improve broadband availability across the state. BMGI is funded through the Department of Business and Economic Affairs using the state’s allocation of Capital Projects Fund (CPF). Information on the funding stream can be found under “Resources” on this page. Please submit questions regarding BMGI to broadband@livefree.nh.gov.
Application Information
The application window opened on September 5, 2023; application materials can be found under "Resources" on this page. Completed applications were due by 3PM EST on October 20, 2023. The BMGI Challenge Process opens after preliminary acceptance letters have been issued to all applicants and once BEA posts location on the webpage. All interested parties will receive an email notification when the Challenge Process starts.
Guidelines & Eligibility
BMGI is designed to fund broadband infrastructure projects delivering high-speed internet (>100/100 Mbps) to unserved (<25/3 Mbps) and underserved (<100/20 Mbps) locations. BMGI will provide a state match of up to 75% of eligible project costs, which is designed to alleviate the fiscal impact of community-driven broadband investment for both ISPs and municipalities and reduce reliance on bonding.
BMGI program requirements:
Eligible applicants
- Joint applications, involving multiple municipalities led by ISPs
- Internet service providers
- Municipalities
Eligible projects
- Currently in the planning stages
- Provide upload speeds of 100/100 Mbps upon completion
- Technology agnostic
- Targets unserved communities (<25/3 Mbps)
Ineligible projects
- Projects that are already under construction
- Projects involving overbuild to already served locations
- Middle mile projects
Eligible costs
- Project costs incurred after the execution of the Grant Agreement
Provider requirements
- Providers are encouraged to offer at least one low- cost option at speeds that are sufficient for a household with multiple users (100/20 Mbps)
- Providers must participate in the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Project Timelines
- Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026
Resources
Contact Us
Please submit questions via email to
broadband@livefree.nh.gov.