WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from Illinois, allowing the state to request access to more than $23 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.
Illinois 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.
“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 in Illinois and 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 Illinois to ensure residents across the state 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.”
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. Illinois 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.”
“Digital equity is a matter of social justice, and the funds announced today by NTIA will help Illinois continue closing the gap between those who have access to digital technology and literacy, and those who don’t,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-4). “The digital divide is very real in districts like mine, and the disparities became more evident during the pandemic. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, our state will have resources to expand opportunities for more people to use digital technologies, regardless of their background, location, or socioeconomic status.”
“DCEO is dedicated to building a more equitable broadband ecosystem and this funding is critical to continuing this work,” said Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Broadband at DCEO, Devon Braunstein. “The Illinois Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program will support the digital empowerment of individuals across Illinois, equipping communities with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to use the internet to fully participate in Illinois’ modern society and economy.”
Illinois will use the $23,732,912 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Creating a dashboard to measure progress toward digital equity; and
- Launching university partnerships and recruiting nonprofits and community-based organizations to serve as regional digital equity champions/conveners.
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.