WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from New Mexico, allowing the state to request access to more than $8 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.
New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico. 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. New Mexico 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.”
“My administration is dedicated to ensuring that every New Mexican, regardless of their location or background, has access to reliable broadband, essential technology, and the digital skills needed to thrive in today’s economy,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This federal funding is a critical step toward closing the digital divide in our state, and we’re committed to using it to create lasting, meaningful change for our communities.”
“In today’s world, a reliable broadband connection is not a luxury, but rather a necessity for everyday life,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM). “This more than $8.6 million investment by the NTIA will deliver critical broadband connection and boost digital literacy in communities across New Mexico. I’m proud to have helped deliver this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will continue to work to close the digital divide once and for all.”
“We know in New Mexico that we are all connected by history, family, culture and herencias. However, in today’s world, we need to also be connected digitally. When we invest in digital equity, we are investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for every family across New Mexico regardless of their income or background,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3). “This $8.6 million in investments made possible by our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help bridge the digital divide, making sure that our rural, Tribal, and communities of opportunity can fully participate in today’s economy.”
The state will use the funding to implement key digital equity initiatives.
New Mexico: $8,673,975
- Conducting stakeholder engagement, education and outreach
- Evaluating and updating the Digital Equity plan
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.