Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Ron Kind applauded the launch of the “Internet for All” initiative, which was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Rep. Kind helped pass last year.
This initiative will invest $45 billion to provide affordable, reliable, high-speed internet for everyone in America by the end of the decade.
“The internet isn’t a luxury in today’s world – it’s a necessity,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “Having a broadband connection is essential for families to access jobs, health care services, classrooms, and opportunity. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re making sure everyone can get the high-speed, affordable internet they need and working to close the digital divide.”
The programs will build internet infrastructure, teach digital skills, and provide necessary technology to ensure that everyone in America have the access and skills they need.
The Internet for All programs launched today with three Notices of Funding Opportunity:
• Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program ($42.5 billion);
• Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program ($1 billion); and,
• State Digital Equity Act programs ($1.5 billion).
To participate in the BEAD Program, states and other eligible entities must submit a letter of intent and a planning funds budget, which will unlock $5 million in planning funds and allow states to begin creating their five-year action plan. Each state will have direct support from dedicated NTIA staff through every step of the process. Each participating state is guaranteed a minimum $100 million allocation, with additional funding determinations made based on the forthcoming coverage maps from the Federal Communications Commission.
The Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program will award grants on a technology neutral, competitive basis to eligible entities for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle-mile infrastructure. Today’s launch of the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program kicks off a series of Digital Equity Act steps that will invest $1.5 billion to heighten adoption and use, like digital literacy training, for those who need it most.
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