In a pivotal move to advance the digital landscape of the United States, the Biden-Harris administration has announced state allocations for its $42.45 billion High-Speed Internet Grant Program. This commitment is part of the larger “Investing in America” agenda and paves the way for an ambitious “Internet for All” initiative that aims to bring affordable, reliable high-speed Internet to everyone in America.
This funding forms part of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, an integral component of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program seeks to bolster nationwide digital infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of high-speed Internet in our current society. As Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator, aptly put it, “Just like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification Act made a historic investment in rural areas bringing electricity to nearly every home in America, President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to leaving no community behind as we connect everyone in America to high-speed Internet.”
The state allocations are considerable, signifying the gravity of the mission to close the digital divide. The top allocations include California receiving approximately $1.86 billion, Texas being granted a substantial $3.31 billion, and Florida allocated around $1.17 billion. These figures underscore the administration’s commitment to enhancing Internet connectivity across diverse regions, from the bustling tech hubs of California to the expansive landscapes of Texas and the vibrant communities in Florida.
The significance of this funding extends beyond connecting households to the Internet. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo noted that it would also contribute to the growth of the digital economy, the creation of good-paying jobs in Internet infrastructure, and an increase in the U.S.’s competitiveness on a global scale.
States, the District of Columbia, and territories will receive their formal notice of allocation on June 30, 2023, and have 180 days from the date of that formal notice to submit their Initial Proposals describing how they propose to administer their grant programs. Once their Initial Proposal is approved, they will be permitted to request access to at least 20 percent of their allocated funds.
For a comprehensive list of state allocations and further details related to this transformative initiative, visit InternetForAll.Gov. As we continue to monitor these developments, stay tuned to our blog for more updates and insights into what this means for the digital landscape across America.
Helping People Stay Connected:
ISPN, a dedicated help desk and IT solutions provider, understands the challenges faced by rural broadband providers. The BEAD program will not only benefit end-users but also enable companies like ISPN to expand their services, support, and expertise. As broadband infrastructure expands, ISPN is excited to continue helping rural providers keep their customers connected and satisfied, assisting with network optimization, and ensuring that communities have access to reliable and efficient broadband services.
