WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) can apply to receive $2,100,000 to empower individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to benefit from meaningful access to high-speed Internet.
As part of the "Internet for All" initiative, a key component of President Biden’s "Investing in America" agenda, NTIA announced today the availability of more than $800 million nationally in funding from the Digital Equity Act’s State Capacity Program.
"President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in CNMI and across America has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Commerce’s work building high-speed Internet infrastructure is only part of the equation. Families in CNMI need the tools and skills required to make the most of that Internet connection, and that’s the $2.1 million opportunity we’re announcing today. President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the Internet come alive for everyone in CNMI, no matter where they live or what their background is."
States, territories, and Native entities will use this funding to begin implementation of their digital equity plans. CNMI plans to use its funding to enhance the quality of life for CNMI residents by facilitating equitable access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service, thereby unlocking social, educational, healthcare, essential services, and economic benefits.
Through community collaboration, these digital equity plans outline a state or territory’s approach to empowering communities with equitable access and opportunities to adopt a high-speed Internet connection and develop essential digital skills to fully participate in society and the digital economy.
The funding allocation was calculated based on a formula defined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and specified in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The formula takes into account the relative population of the state or territory (50%), the relative size of the covered populations residing in the state or territory (25%), and the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband (25%).
Details and a national news release related to this announcement are available on InternetForAll.Gov.
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Internet for All
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.
Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward Internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov to learn more.
For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.
About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.