$41.7 million for Florida, $8.4 million for Iowa, $6.9 million for Montana, $2.1 million for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and $2.1 million for Guam
WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award applications from Florida, Iowa, Montana, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, allowing them to request access to more than $61.2 million to implement their Digital Equity Plans. 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.
States will use this funding to implement their digital equity plans, which outlines how they will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
“Quality, affordable high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We look forward to working with the awardees to ensure all residents have the tools and skills to take advantage of quality, affordable high-speed Internet – whether it’s for work, education, health care, or any other essential service.”
These approvals are 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. These states and territories now can request access to the funds to put their digital equity plans 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.”
"This funding is a significant step forward in the Commonwealth's commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to the digital tools and resources needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world,” said Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Arnold I. Palacios. “We are grateful for this additional support provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and look forward to implementing our CNMI Digital Equity plans, which will enhance connectivity and inclusion for communities throughout our islands."
"This grant is about making life better for our people," said Guam Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero. "Whether it’s helping a young person at the Department of Youth Affairs learn new skills, making sure our hospital has the technology it needs, or giving families in our villages access to WiFi and devices through their mayor’s office, this is about taking care of our community. Everyone deserves a fair shot in this digital world, and we’re here to make that happen for Guam."
The states will use the funding to implement key digital equity initiatives.
Florida: $41,748,794
- Cultivating and promoting efforts from the private sector and community anchor institutions to provide cybersecurity and privacy skills training and technical support; and
- Implementation of ConnectedFlorida, a program that intends to subgrant funds for programs that encourage workforce development, digital literacy, device ownership, and other digital adoption activities.
Iowa: $8,442,129
- Working with the public libraries to expand their Wi-Fi hotspot checkout program;
- Developing a virtual training platform to provide cybersecurity training; and
- Funding a program that will help incarcerated individuals access educational opportunities including digital skills and cybersecurity training.
Montana: $6,938,534
- Facility access upgrades for the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind to support distance learning across Montana;
- Expansion of the Last Mile Prison Coding and Web Development Program for the Montana Department of Corrections; and
- Connect rural Montanans to workforce development and other essential services through the Montana Prosperity Portal.
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: $2,100,000
- Initiate discussions with telehealth and telecommunications providers to establish a robust telehealth network connecting Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands; and
- Form a working group with at least one representative from each school district to assess the current Internet technology (IT) curriculum.
Guam: $2,100,000
- Engage libraries, healthcare providers, and cultural centers for digital navigator programs, free Wi-Fi hotspots, and device distribution; and
- Collaborate with workforce agencies, labor organizations, and educational institutions to integrate digital skills training and promote innovation.
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.