The U.S. Department of Commerce will help connect more than 133,000 unserved households to broadband utilizing grant funding.
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded 13 grants as part of the Broadband Infrastructure Program. These grants, totaling more than $277 million, will be used to connect more than 133,000 unserved households, the Commerce Department said Feb. 25.
“Today’s awards are another example of the Biden administration’s commitment to closing the digital divide and building strong partnerships with those who can help us expand internet access,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said.
NTIA awarded the grants to 12 states and one territory: Georgia, Guam, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and West Virginia.
The agency plans new broadband grant programs to build broadband infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost broadband service options and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in the communities.
The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated $65 billion to expand broadband access.
The Broadband Infrastructure Program was designed to support broadband infrastructure deployment in underserved areas, especially rural areas. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provided funding.
“We are eager to work closely with the grant recipients who will help us deploy broadband infrastructure to areas that have lacked it for too long,” said Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information.
