Beacon Broadband, powered by Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CCEC), has been awarded a $19 million grant from the Oregon Broadband Deployment Program (BDP) to expand high-speed internet access to over 1,200 addresses in rural Curry and Coos counties. This grant, administered by Business Oregon and the Oregon Broadband Office, is part of a statewide effort to enhance connectivity in areas that long have struggled with limited broadband infrastructure.
The grant will enable Beacon Broadband to deploy 434 miles of fiber optic cable in less than two years, providing fast, reliable, and affordable internet access to unserved and underserved households and businesses.
“This is a transformative moment for the communities we serve. We’ve seen firsthand how lack of high-speed internet access has held back our rural areas,” said Brent Bischoff, CEO of CCEC and Beacon Broadband. “This grant empowers us to address those challenges head-on and deliver modern connectivity that will make a lasting difference in the lives of our members. It’s a reflection of our commitment to not only provide reliable electricity but also to build the critical infrastructure needed for the future,” Bischoff concluded.
The BDP grant is part of the American Rescue Plan Act funding (ARPA), aimed at closing the digital divide across the country. In Oregon, the BDP received 63 applications totaling over $441 million in requests, with Beacon Broadband’s project ranked among the top. The program prioritizes projects that will serve unserved locations—those without access to internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload—and underserved locations, which lack speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps. Beacon Broadband's successful application reflects the company's commitment to bridging the digital divide in CCEC’s service territory, where 20 percent of residents did not have internet access in 2018.
"For decades, CCEC has been a leader in providing essential services to our communities. This broadband project is an extension of that mission. We’re bringing 21st century infrastructure to the places that need it the most, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of," said Pete Radabaugh, President of the Beacon Broadband Board of Directors. “The need for reliable internet access in today's world is akin to the need for electricity in the early 20th century. Just as CCEC brought electricity to the rural communities of Coos and Curry counties in 1939, Beacon Broadband is now bringing high-speed internet access to those same areas,” Radabaugh added.
This funding will allow Beacon Broadband to accelerate the deployment of its fiber-to-the-premises network in the northernmost areas of CCEC’s service territory. The project will not only provide high-speed internet access, but will also stimulate economic development, enhance educational opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in these communities.
"Broadband access is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. This grant is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who believes that all Oregonians deserve access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet. This is an exciting day for our cooperative and the communities we serve,” said Jim Kolen, President of the CCEC Board of Directors.
CCEC and Beacon Broadband are grateful for the support of the Oregon Broadband Deployment Program and all those who have contributed to this accomplishment.
Beacon Broadband, with the support of the BDP grant, is poised to make a lasting impact on the communities it serves. The company is committed to providing affordable, reliable, high-speed internet access, empowering residents and businesses to thrive in the digital age.