WASHINGTON -- The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today awarded more than $20.5 million to Michigan to implement their Digital Equity Plan. Michigan is the second state to receive funding through 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 award is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda. States will use this funding to implement their digital equity plans, which outline how states will empower individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need 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 Michigan 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 Michigan. We look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in the state can take advantage of an Internet connection – whether it’s for work, education, health care, or any other essential service.”
“Michigan now has the funds to start putting their digital equity plan into action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Administration and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “President Biden’s Internet for All initiative will bolster efforts to ensure Michiganders can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”
“Every Michigander deserves access to affordable, reliable fast Internet that meets their needs,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Connection to the Internet is connection to health care, education, the global economy, the public square, and so much more. This Digital Equity Capacity Award is further proof that our work to connect more individuals, families, and small business owners to affordable fast Internet is making a difference in communities across Michigan. We have connected over 23,000 unserved locations through the Connecting Michigan Communities grant program, and we will soon connect 55,000 more thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s ROBIN grant program. Let’s keep working together to connect more families and small businesses to fast, reliable high-speed Internet that grows our economy.”
“Every family deserves access to affordable Internet so all Americans can participate in the digital economy, access education and healthcare resources, and stay connected to essential services,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. “Ensuring Michiganders have access to the opportunities that digital resources bring is absolutely critical to meeting the needs of our community as a whole.”
“From accessing healthcare and education to starting a small business, fast, reliable Internet access is critical to ensuring an equitable future for every American,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “I’m thrilled Michigan has secured more than $20 million authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to ensure that every community in our great state has access to this vital tech. Through Federal State partnerships like this one, we can ensure lack of Internet access isn’t a barrier to success.”
Michigan plans to use the funding to implement Michigan's Inclusive Training, Technology, and Equity Network (MITTEN) that includes a robust statewide Digital Navigator Network that will disseminate information from state agencies pertaining to online accessibility of services, new opportunities for workforce or education, and affordable Internet service plans and devices.
With the awarded funding, the state may implement the grant program internally through its administering entity, partner with other state agencies, and subaward funds to other entities within the state.
In March, NTIA launched the first Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Digital Equity Act’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program that made available over $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans, developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.
Funding was also made available for Native Entities (Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations) to conduct digital equity planning and carry out digital equity and inclusion activities consistent with the Digital Equity Act.
State applications were due by May 28, 2024. The application deadline for U.S. Territories is July 31, 2024. Additional details regarding the first Notice of Funding Opportunity for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program are available at NTIA.gov.
NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards on a rolling basis.
As directed by the Digital Equity Act, the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will be established within 30 days of this first State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program award and will make hundreds of millions of dollars available in the first Notice of Funding Opportunity to implement digital equity projects.
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Internet for All
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.
For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.
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.