COLUMBIA, SC — During the most recent grant cycle funded through the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF), the South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) received 70 project applications, from 17 different Internet Service Providers (ISPs), representing a total funding request of $397,898,022. This amount does not include funding matches, which are required from the ISPs.

After a rigorous evaluation by the SCBBO, awards will be granted to select projects, and Notices to Proceed are anticipated for November 2023.  A portion of South Carolina’s $185.8 million CPF allocation will be used to fund these projects.

“We are extremely pleased with the response we received for CPF and appreciate the continued participation of ISPs as we work together to solve South Carolina’s digital divide,” said Jim Stritzinger, Director of the SCBBO.  “By using our Broadband Serviceable Location (BSL) maps, we take each initial application, factor in any/all newly acquired data, and then collaborate with the ISP to refine each grant award.  By doing so, we ensure that resources are allocated in the most efficient manner and duplication of facilities is avoided.”

All timely and complete CPF grant applications are posted here. The SCBBO welcomes public comment through August 18, 2023. An interactive map of submitted projects by provider is available for convenience.

More information can be found at ors.sc.gov/broadband.

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The SCBBO is housed within the state’s Office of Regulatory Staff.  It serves as the central broadband planning body to coordinate with federal, state, regional, local, and private entities, to the extent practicable, to engage in the continued deployment of broadband in the state.