North Dakota Poised to Achieve 100% Broadband Access by 2028

BISMARCK – North dakota is on track to provide high-speed internet access to every location within the state by 2028, fueled by recently approved federal funding.

The state anticipates receiving $6 million from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a $42 billion initiative stemming from the infrastructure bill passed under the Biden administration. These funds will be allocated to local internet carriers, BEK and Midco, to establish fiber connections for the remaining 279 locations currently lacking high-speed internet access.

North Dakota is set to become the first state in the nation to achieve universal broadband access. Completion of these final connections is projected for 2028,though the timeline could be accelerated depending on construction progress.

This achievement represents the culmination of decades of effort and investment by local carriers in building a broadband network across the state.

“We’re helping them bring in the final percent,” said brian Newby, director of the North Dakota Data Technology’s broadband program. “The 99% was all the sweat and financial risk that they took over the last 20 years.”

The 279 unconnected locations, as of mid-2025, are dispersed throughout the state, with a concentration near Cass County. Many face geographic challenges, such as river crossings, according to Newby.

“While we’re incredibly proud that North dakota is widely recognized as one of the best-connected states in the country,our main focus has always been on our citizens,” said Corey Mock,North Dakota’s chief information officer. “This approval represents a major leap forward in achieving universal connectivity.”

While high-speed internet access will be available statewide, universal adoption isn’t guaranteed. Approximately 16% of North Dakota households currently do not subscribe to a broadband internet service, according to 2020 census data cited in the state’s 2023 plan for the federal funding.

While affordability is a consideration, a National Telecommunications and Information Administration study…