A $5.5 million grant was awarded to Rhode Island in accordance with the Biden-Harris administration's Internet for All initiative.
Rhode Island's first Internet for All grant will be used for the construction of high-speed Internet networks and the creation of digital skills training programs, according to a Nov. 22 National Telecommunications and Information Administration news release.
“The funding for Rhode Island today is the first step to ensuring affordable high-speed Internet is available to every resident,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release.
She said the money will allow the state to conduct the planning and digital equity work vital to making this program a success, the release reported. And she thanked Gov. Daniel McKee, U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Reps. Jim Langevin and David Cicilline for making a commitment to connecting Rhode Island and bridging the digital divide.
“Expanding and improving internet access helps expand opportunity. This is a smart investment in upgrading the state's digital infrastructure,” Reed said in the release.
He said the strategy advanced by the grant funds will assure all state residents get connected to high-speed, reliable, affordable broadband service, which will close the digital divide, the release reported.
