Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program to Launch in Coming Weeks
WASHINGTON -- The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today awarded more than $9 million to Nevada to implement their Digital Equity Plan. Nevada is the first 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.
“In Nevada and across the country, President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is lowering the cost of accessing the Internet - whether it’s bringing affordable connections to homes, or making digital skills and devices more accessible,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The Biden-Harris Administration's digital equity programs are a commitment to ensuring that as we connect everyone in America to the Internet, they can make the most of that connection.”
As required 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.
“Nevada 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 Nevadans can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”
“All Nevadans deserve access to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet, which is why I’ve been leading the efforts in Congress to deliver historic funding for our state to make sure every household is connected,” said Senator Jacky Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped secure more than $9 million for Nevada to increase skills and close the digital divide.”
Nevada plans to use the funding to implement key digital initiatives, including the following examples:
- To address affordability and access, the state plans to deploy Digital Navigators, promote community Wi-Fi and computer labs at Community Anchor Institutions, and provide assistance in applying for low-cost plans.
- To provide increased access to devices and tech support, the state plans to establish a Device Distribution Matching Fund with private sector support, leverage digital navigators to provide tech support in Community Anchor Institutions, and create a statewide device distribution ecosystem.
- To address digital literacy and skills, Nevada plans to create a public Digital Equity System Asset Map, provide grant training and support to community partners, create a statewide framework for digital skills trainings curriculum, and fund digital literacy classes and on-demand technical support.
- To increase adoption, awareness, and sustainability, Nevada plans to create a Digital Equity Dashboard and Digital Equity Investment Map.
“Access to the Internet means access to jobs, health care, and education opportunities,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV-3). “I helped negotiate and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand Internet access in rural and underserved communities, and today’s award does just that. I look forward to continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to bridge the digital divide here in Nevada and across the country.”
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.
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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.