The United States Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that all states and territories have confirmed their participation in two of the broadband-related grant programs established in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program will provide funding through states and territories primarily for infrastructure deployment to expand high-speed internet access. All 50 states and the six territories (AS, DC, GU, MP, PR, and USVI) submitted letters of intent to participate in the BEAD program ahead of the July 18th deadline. Initial planning fund applications for the BEAD program are due August 15, 2022.
The State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program is the first step for states, territories, and Tribal Nations to develop plans to promote broadband adoption, with $1.44 billion funding available later to fund specific projects. Digital Equity applications were due July 12th, and NTIA has received applications from all 50 states, 6 territories, and hundreds of Tribal Nations. NTIA will announce the allocation of the $60 million Equity Planning Grant Program funds by September 29, 2022.
