St. Louis, Mo., is using Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to install free WiFi in nine city parks.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded Connecticut more than $9 million in Federal funding to implement the state’s Connecticut: Everyone Connected digital equity plan.

Hawaiʻi has launched Digital Detectives, a new initiative that looks to map internet speeds across the state.

The City of Scranton, Penn., is partnering with Verizon to deliver universal internet access across the city. Through the partnership, Verizon will invest tens of millions of dollars over the next three years to develop a ubiquitous network of fiber-based internet access to homes, providing the opportunity for all Scranton residents to subscribe to high-speed internet service.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced that the state will open applications for the National Telecommunications Information and Administration Internet for All initiative on Oct. 21.

Wisconsin has awarded more than $27.8 million from the Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program to fund 11 projects throughout Wisconsin that will improve internet connectivity by providing access to devices, technology, and digital navigators.

Rural communities will have access to increased government subsidies for the development of 5G mobile wireless broadband services after the reignition of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 5G Fund for Rural America. 

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed Ryan Mulhall as the new executive director of the Iowa Communications Network.

Louisiana is undertaking the largest broadband expansion in state history with the help of $1.355 billion in Federal funding.

As part of its efforts to close the digital divide, Mecklenburg County, N.C., is installing free public Wi-Fi at more than a dozen parks and recreation centers.