WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from California, allowing the state to request access to more than $70 million to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This funding is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them—for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online; others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.
California will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which outlines how the state will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is not only connecting everyone in California and across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet, but also making sure they have the tools and skills they need to make the most of that Internet connection,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Congratulations to the team in California. We look forward to working with you to ensure residents across the state can take advantage of an Internet connection – whether it’s for work, education, health care, or any other essential service.”
This approval is from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Native Entities to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans. These plans were developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Awards of funding will require additional review and approval of State-submitted documentation.
“For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. California now can request access to the funds to put its digital equity plan into action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”
“A key part of building a California for all is ensuring people have all the tools they need succeed in today’s digital world,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Thanks to this support from the Biden-Harris Administration, we’re one step closer to bridging the digital divide here in the Golden State.”
“I have worked my entire Congressional career to bring high-speed, reliable Internet access to every American,” said Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16). “Congress made a generational investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bridge the digital divide and the Biden-Harris Administration has been hard at work to ensure the job gets done right. Bridging the digital divide means making broadband accessible, affordable, and equitable. Today’s announcement will ensure that everyone has equitable access to the Internet and no community will be left behind. This is a critical step in my decades-long work to bring broadband access to every corner of California and ensure everyone has the tools to thrive in the 21st Century.”
"Digital equity matters, and it's great news that robust funding is flowing to California to help close the digital divide,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18). “I am proud to have supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, along with my Democratic colleagues in the last Congress, which provided this investment that will improve families' access to broadband and promote economic and workforce development across the state."
“To close the digital divide, we must not only build out broadband infrastructure but also equip all Americans with the necessary tools and skills to make full use of the Internet,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-7). “Almost two-thirds of Californians without home broadband say cost is a key reason, and nearly one in three mention limited digital skills. The Digital Equity Capacity Grant will empower California to reduce broadband adoption barriers and advance digital inclusion statewide. This injection of federal funding will jumpstart local efforts to provide older adults, schoolchildren, and underserved communities with the devices, digital skills training, and essential resources to succeed in the 21st century economy.”
The state will use the funding to implement key digital equity initiatives.
California: $70,226,453
- Developing a California Connect Corps digital equity capacity grant program to expand statewide and community-based digital navigation and digital inclusion programs
- Developing and promoting digital inclusion tools and best practices
- Securing consumer subsidy program sustainability
Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future. NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards from this first round of funding on a rolling basis.
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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.