WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from Wisconsin, allowing the state to request access to more than $13 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.
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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. Wisconsin 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.”
"We know that having access to reliable, high-speed internet is necessary for how we work, learn, and stay connected in today's day and age, and I’m proud we’ve been able to make significant investments to ensure more than 410,000 homes and businesses will have new or improved high-speed internet,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and Senator Baldwin, these State Digital Equity Capacity grant funds are going to build on that work and bring Wisconsin another step closer to closing the digital divide in our state and ensuring folks and families have the reliable, affordable, high-speed internet they need and deserve."
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity for our small businesses, family farms, and neighborhoods throughout Wisconsin,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI). “I am proud to bring home this investment so all communities across Badger state can get online – moving our economy forward and creating good-paying jobs in the process.”
Wisconsin will use the $13,248,029 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Awarding grants to expand and support digital navigator programs through the Digital Navigator Competitive Grant program
- Offer a Digital Navigator Pilot Program for incarcerated individuals to increase digital skills.
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.