$22 million for Georgia and $15 million for Indiana
WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award applications from Georgia and Indiana, allowing them to request access to more than $37 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 outline 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.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is not only connecting everyone in these states 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 teams in Georgia and Indiana. We look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in your states 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. Georgia and Indiana 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.”
"As we continue to build on the progress we have made in recent years to connect all Georgians to high-speed Internet and the opportunities it brings, securing this funding for digital connectivity is the latest step we've taken to close the digital divide,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “Through this investment and other measures, we’ll keep working to maintain our status as the best state to live, work, and raise a family, no matter your zip code.”
“I am proud to have secured provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make this federal funding possible and help close the digital divide for communities across Georgia–particularly in our rural and underserved communities that for too long have been left behind,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA). “It is not enough to just put fiber cables in the ground. We need to make sure our communities have the devices, resources, training, and low costs that will allow Georgians participate and thrive in our increasingly digital economy, and this multi-million dollar grant will do just that by creating digital literacy programs, expanding community access to computers and tablets, lowering costs to get connected, and more.”
“Our historic bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Georgia, including historic Federal funding to surge broadband connectivity across our state. Today’s announcement is another major next step toward ensuring every Georgia family, business, and farm has high-speed Internet,” said Senator Jon Ossoff (GA). “I thank President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Raimondo, and Assistant Secretary Davidson for supporting our efforts to expand high-speed Internet in Georgia.”
“Thank you to all the leaders of the NTIA and the State of Indiana for your efforts to make broadband Internet accessible and affordable for communities across our state,” said Congressman Frank Mrvan (IN-1). “I was proud to support provisions to expand high-speed Internet in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I look forward to Indiana’s Digital Equity Capacity Program further connecting communities throughout our state with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the 21st century.”
The states will use the funding to implement key digital equity initiatives.
Georgia: $22,455,639
- Deploying Digital Navigators to help access online education, health, financial and government services
- Expanding access to digital devices, such as Upgrade public computer labs and device loan programs
Indiana: $15,096,770
- Rolling out large-scale programs facilitated with other state agencies focused on telehealth expansion, digital skills for incarcerated individuals, and accessibility of state websites and digital services
- Upgrading state websites for accessibility and usability
- Introducing the Indiana Digital Skills program, a campaign to address connectivity barriers, device access and digital literacy
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.