The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) hosted the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority’s quarterly meeting in Montgomery this week.

The meeting featured progress updates from 20 internet service providers that received grants from two programs funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds as the state pushes forward with its effort to expand high-speed internet access to unserved areas.

The projects funded by those grants, totaling more than $400 million, must be completed by the end of 2026.

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell delivered a clear message to providers: while progress is being made with the projects funded through the Capital Projects Fund and the Alabama Anchor Institution/Middle-Mile programs, the pace is not where it needs to be.

“We’re making progress, but we’re not where we need to be,” Boswell told providers.

“The deadlines we’re working under are not just ADECA’s—they’re federal requirements. If we don’t complete these projects on time, Alabama risks losing funds and broadband providers risk not getting reimbursed for their work.”

Boswell emphasized that broadband projects funded under both state and federal programs must meet “substantial completion” requirements by the federal deadline of December 31, 2026.

Failure to meet those benchmarks, Boswell cautioned, could result in lost funding or even clawbacks of previously distributed dollars. He urged ISPs to actively manage their projects, meet milestones, and keep ADECA informed, stressing that providers should prioritize these projects to ensure timely completion.

“We are working together to get this done, but we must streamline efforts and stay ahead of schedule,” Boswell said. “The sooner projects are completed, the sooner Alabamians get the high-speed internet they deserve—and the safer we are from losing critical funding.”

The Capital Projects Fund and Alabama Anchor Institution/Middle-Mile programs are part of Alabama’s broader effort to close the digital divide and ensure reliable, affordable broadband access in all communities across the state.