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BPU adopts BEAD plan, authorizes $62.18 million for 35 projects; Comcast franchise expanded to Metuchen
Summary
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Jan. 28 approved the state's final BEAD proposal and authorized $62,184,235.53 for 35 projects, and separately approved an amendment allowing Comcast New Jersey to expand its statewide franchise to include the borough of Metuchen.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities voted Jan. 28 to adopt the state's final Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal and to authorize issuance of $62,184,235.53 in grants to 35 projects across the state.
Valerie, speaking for board staff, said the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved New Jersey's final BEAD proposal on Dec. 2, 2025, after the state reduced a project's per-location subsidy so all projects complied with NTIA cost thresholds. "This approval authorizes New Jersey to make awards under the BEAD grant program," Valerie said. She listed the state's full BEAD allocation as $263,689,548.65 and said the recommended awards total $62,184,235.53.
Commissioners asked whether the board could help ensure four-year BEAD completion requirements are met. Valerie said coordination with state partners, local governments and permitting authorities is within the state's control and that the board would work with partners to help projects meet timelines.
Separately, the board approved staff's recommendation to issue an amendment to Comcast New Jersey's statewide cable franchise to add service in the borough of Metuchen. Wanda, presenting the Comcast matter, reported two virtual public hearings and Rate Counsel comments that did not object; staff recommended approval subject to applicable state and federal laws and Office of Cable Television and Telecommunications rules.
Both measures passed by roll call vote. Board staff said the BEAD awards reflect the NTIA-approved final proposal and include project-level conditions and compliance requirements; exact project names and award amounts were not read into the record at the meeting and will be reflected in the board's adoption order and grant documents.
Next steps: the board's BEAD adoption authorizes staff to issue awards under the state's BEAD program and to proceed with grant agreements and oversight; the Comcast franchise amendment will be issued subject to standard federal and state conditions and local rights-of-way approvals.
