The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on March 29 announced that it is making $811 million of funding available to states, territories, and native entities to pursue goals under their digital equity plans.
Connecticut is using $41 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Project Fund to expand broadband infrastructure and improve internet connectivity in the state.
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) announced the launch of its Residential Internet Retrofit Program, a $22 million statewide initiative to equip public and affordable housing units across the state with high-speed internet service.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that the department is investing $58 million in Tribal communities in Nevada, Oklahoma and South Dakota to support economic development, high-speed internet deployment, and modern infrastructure.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced that the state will use nearly $150 million in Federal funding to increase broadband access for homes, businesses, and public institutions across 48 counties.
A new survey from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has found that more than three-quarters of households taking part in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will experience internet service disruptions if the program ends.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Aaron Wheeler to serve as director of the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) within the state’s Department of Commerce.
Anne Arundel County, Md., will use grant funding to distribute 7,000 Chromebook devices to eligible county residents in an effort to close the digital divide. Funding for the program comes from the state’s Connected Devices Program under the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
The Department of Treasury has approved more than $228 million for high-speed internet projects in New York, which the state estimates will connect tens of thousands of homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed internet. Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF).
The city of Baltimore recently launched a free public Wi-Fi network, aptly named FreeBmoreWiFi. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said the free Wi-Fi initiative “marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to digital equity and inclusive access to technology for residents.”
