All 50 states and U.S. territories have confirmed participation in the Internet for All initiative to “connect all Americans to affordable, reliable high-speed internet,” according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program will use $42.45 billion for states and territories to expand high-speed internet access, according to a July 13 Department of Commerce news release. The program will help with funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.
“The Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring all Americans have access to the internet, which is vital for our economic future,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release. “Beyond access, we also must enable meaningful internet use and provide people with tools to participate in education and training, access health care and thrive in the digital economy.
"The Internet for All initiative will help states and territories accomplish both goals," Raimondo added, according to the release. "I applaud America’s state and territory leaders who took these important first steps toward bringing equitable access to high-speed internet to the people they serve.”
Plans for digital skill training and workforce development are supported by a separate State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, according to the release.
Announced in May, the Internet for All initiative is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $65 billion "to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet," the release reported.
