Overview
On April 26, 2017, Governor Kay Ivey issued Executive Order 704. This order rescinded Executive Orders 9 and 42 and established the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs as the agency to assume all powers, duties, responsibilities, authority, and obligations belonging to the Office of Broadband Development.
Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund
On March 28, 2018, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act. Because the availability of high-speed broadband services in unserved rural Alabama is important for economic development, education, health care, and emergency services, the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act established the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. On May 30, 2019, Governor Ivey signed Act #2019-327 which provided numerous amendments to the original Act.
Alabama Broadband Accessibility Act
Connect Alabama Act
On May 17, 2021, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Connect Alabama Act. The Act created three entities: 1) the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority to advise, review, and approve the statewide connectivity plan, among numerous other duties; 2) the Alabama Digital Expansion Division of ADECA to develop and begin executing a statewide connectivity plan, among other duties; and 3) the Alabama Digital Expansion Finance Corporation to administer the Connect Alabama Fund, among other duties. Review the full act here: Connect Alabama Act
Broadband Using Electric Easements Accessibility Act
On May 30, 2019, Governor Kay Ivey signed the Broadband Using Electric Easements Accessibility Act. The Act lifts major hurdles for electric providers, including electric cooperatives, to assist in providing high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities within Alabama. The Act allows electric providers and others to own and operate broadband systems and provide broadband services and other advanced communications capabilities using electric provider easements and potentially pursue broadband expansion grant funds. The Act stipulates that electric providers may charge for the cost of construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of the broadband systems that are used or reserved by broadband affiliates or unaffiliated broadband operators. Electric providers may also determine the rates charged for providing broadband services or use of the broadband system, whether wholesale or retail.
Alabama Broadband Using Electric Easements Accessibility Act
News
Save the Date and Register! ADECA BEAD Webinar for Subgrantees: Reporting Requirements
Please save the date to join representatives from the Alabama Digital Expansion Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for a webinar to provide information to Alabama’s awarded BEAD subgrantees on Reporting Requirements.
This webinar will cover the reporting obligations for all BEAD subgrantees, including quarterly desk reviews, semi-annual reports, annual reports, and closeout reports. Topics will include required documentation such as deployment milestones, financial status, matching fund contributions, and construction progress, as well as additional oversight requirements for at-risk subgrantees.
All awarded subgrantees are expected to participate in this webinar to ensure a clear understanding of the reporting requirements and your obligations under the BEAD Program. Please feel free to share this invitation with any relevant professionals assisting with your BEAD-funded deployment.
Date: May 13th, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Central Time
Register Here.
If you need interpretation or additional support to participate, please notify ADECA at broadband.fund@adeca.alabama.gov.
Contact
(334) 353-0767 | broadband.fund@adeca.alabama.gov
