The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award applications from Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, allowing the states to request access to more than $85.1 million to implement their Digital Equity Plans. 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.
States will use this funding to implement their digital equity plans, which outlines how they 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 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 the states to ensure all residents 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.”
These approvals are 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. These states now can request access to the funds to put their digital equity plans 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.”
Kansas
“This State Digital Equity Capacity Grant will enable us to continue expanding internet access to all Kansans," said Governor Laura Kelly. "Thanks to the Digital Equity Act, these funds will empower more Kansans to fully leverage the power of technology and thrive in the digitally connected economy.”
“This new grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I proudly voted to pass, will help ensure every Kansan has the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world,” said Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3). “Whether it’s helping students with homework, supporting small businesses, or connecting rural communities, improving Internet access will strengthen our state and create more opportunities for growth.”
Kansas will use $8,229,246 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Create a pool of funds for a long-term affordability program for Kansas; and
- Collaborate with partners to create an online digital equity map and dashboard that will help the agency, organizations, and the public to understand progress in closing the digital literacy skills gap.
Mississippi
“As the only member of the Mississippi House Congressional Delegation to vote in support of the Biden-Harris Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am proud to see the Biden-Harris Administration delivering on their promise to help Mississippi bridge the digital divide,” said Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-2). “This vital support for the state’s digital equity initiatives ensures that all Mississippians have access to affordable, high-speed internet.”
Mississippi will use $10,752,090 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Partnering with public entities to provide skills training and devices; and
- Launching skills training through intragovernmental agencies who can scale digital skills programs quickly
North Carolina
“Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration and the State Digital Equity Capacity grant funds, we can continue launching strategies from the state’s Digital Equity Plan,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “These funds will help North Carolinians adopt high-speed Internet service and have the computer and online safety skills to connect with each other, complete homework, work remotely, access telehealth and participate in the digital economy.”
“The promise of the digital economy and emerging technologies is vast, but technology adoption and advancements are outpacing many of our most vulnerable communities’ ability to properly resource and participate in the digital workforce,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-4). “This significant federal funding to implement the statewide North Carolina Digital Equity Plan is an important step forward to ensuring Internet access, online resources, cybersecurity and privacy, technical support, and the affordability of devices for traditionally underserved communities across the state. I look forward to working alongside elected officials, state and local community leaders, and the public and private sector to continue addressing the root causes of digital inequities and make our goals about digital equity and access a reality.”
North Carolina will use $22,456,097 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Partnering with workforce and education agencies to identify and adopt digital skills standards including cybersecurity, digital privacy, and digital health literacy; and
- Increasing the supply of no-/low-cost Internet-enabled devices, both new and refurbished, into North Carolina’s digital ecosystem.
Pennsylvania
"Access to the Internet isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Senator John Fetterman. “This funding from the Digital Equity Capacity Grant will help Pennsylvania bridge the digital divide and guarantee every community, whether it’s rural or urban, has the tools to succeed in the 21st century. I’m proud to see Pennsylvania leading the charge in digital inclusion and I’ll keep fighting to make sure no one is left behind in our digital future."
“With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re not just rebuilding America’s roads and bridges – we’re making sure families have the tools they need to thrive in a 21st-century economy,” said Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-2). “I proudly voted to deliver this $25 million in funding, which will ensure more Pennsylvanians can benefit from high-speed, affordable Internet access.”
Pennsylvania will use $25,508,473 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Perform data analytics to set standards for subgrantee outcomes, maintain asset inventory, and develop a public-facing dashboard; and
- Provide technical assistance in support of a micro-grant program for digital inclusion activities.
Virginia
“Receiving this $18.3 million allocation from NTIA marks a landmark achievement for Virginia, underscoring our unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We are confident that this investment will lead to tangible improvements in digital literacy and broadband adoption across the Commonwealth."
“Access to high-speed Internet is a necessity, and that’s why we took historic steps in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand access to broadband in Virginia and across the country,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “I’m glad federal funding from the law is headed to Virginia to close the digital divide and help ensure Virginians—no matter where they live—have access to the Internet, as well as the digital literacy skills they need to thrive.”
“Access to technology and the Internet is essential in today’s world to work, learn, and connect with each other,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10). “I’m proud that thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $18 million in federal funding is coming to Virginia to support digital equity and inclusion all across our Commonwealth. I’ve made it a priority in Congress to help close the digital divide, and this new investment will go a long way to make progress on that front.”
"This latest investment from NTIA will allow the Commonwealth to begin implementing its digital equity plans, addressing the digital divide that continues to hinder opportunities for too many Virginians,” said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-4). “I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for its ongoing efforts to expand broadband access to disadvantaged communities in our increasingly digital world. I will continue fighting to ensure every American has access to the opportunities high-speed Internet provides -- from education and health care to economic growth and civic engagement."
Virginia will use $18,330,732 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- A comprehensive initiative designed to equip members of all covered populations in the Commonwealth with the digital skills and tools needed to fully participate in the digital economy; and
- A state-wide online resource hub of local and regional digital access resources across the Commonwealth available to all Virginians.
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.