WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from Maine, allowing the state to request access to more than $5.7 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.
Maine 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 Maine 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 Maine 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. Maine 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.”
“Maine continues to be at the forefront of connecting people to the internet,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Thanks to the good work of the Maine Connectivity Authority, everyone in Maine who wants an internet connection will be able to have one by the end of this year – fulfilling a pledge I made to Maine people just two years ago. Maine was also the first state in the nation to win approval of its Digital Equity Plan from the Federal government. Now, with access to these Federal funds, Maine can begin turning that plan into action, ensuring that all Maine people can take full advantage of the internet and all the opportunities it provides to participate in our global society and economy.”
“Access to broadband is essential for Maine people to go to work, attend school, keep in touch with loved ones and even receive medical care,” said Senator Angus King. “However, getting online is not always easy to do, especially for those in more rural communities. This $5.7 million investment into Maine’s Digital Equity Plan — the first to be approved by the NTIA nationwide — will ensure Maine people have the tools, resources and support to take full advantage of an affordable, reliable, high-speed connection. Thanks to historic investments made by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are bridging the digital divide and moving closer to a more connected Maine.”
Maine will use the $5,784,349 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- A comprehensive digital opportunity program, including support for Internet access, digital skills building, and Internet safety education;
- A statewide device donation and refurbishment campaign; and
- A statewide awareness campaign for a new online directory of digital resources called Tech Help for ME.
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.