The Joint Bond Review Committee has approved the allocation of $30,000,000 for a competitive grant program to be developed and implemented by the ORS, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Commerce (SCDOC) to expand broadband availability and access in South Carolina.
Guidelines and Application
The ORS and SCDOC have jointly developed guidelines for the Rural Broadband Grant Program to ensure that the deployment of grant funds increases the availability and access to broadband in the eligible counties. Applicants will be required to provide a 1:1 match of nonpublic funds for any project receiving grant funds.
- Rural Broadband Grant Program Guidelines (PDF)
- Rural Broadband Grant Program Application (PDF)
- Rural Broadband Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Areas of Need
The ORS has developed a broadband availability map showing premises meeting 25/3 Mbps (download/upload) speeds. Projects will be prioritized based on areas with the most need.
The Federal Communications Commission has awarded projects through its Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to help expand access to broadband in South Carolina.
Timeline
| Event | Date/Deadline* |
| Areas of Need Published on the ORS Website | 3/15/21 |
| Application Period Opens | 4/1/21 |
| Challenge Period Opens | 4/15/21 |
| Challenge Period Closes | 5/14/21 |
| Application Period Closes | 5/14/21 |
| Submitted Applications Posted on the ORS Website | 5/18/21 |
| Comments Due on Submitted Applications | 6/1/21 |
| Funding Agreements Sent to the Companies | 6/18/21 |
| Funding Agreements Returned to the ORS | 6/30/21 |
| Notices to Proceed Issued | 7/15/21 |
| 3rd Q 2021 Financial and Construction Progress Report Due | 10/15/21 |
| 4th Q 2021 Financial and Construction Progress Report Due | 1/14/22 |
| 1st Q 2022 Financial and Construction Progress Report Due | 4/15/22 |
| 2nd Q 2022 Financial and Construction Progress Report Due | 7/15/22 |
| 3rd Q 2022 Financial and Construction Progress Report Due | 10/14/22 |
| Project Completion | 10/31/22 |
| Final Reporting Due | 1/15/23 |
*All dates are no later than
Rural Broadband Grant Program Timeline (PDF)