Government broadband funding continues to focus much of the available resources on digital equity, as evidenced by awards announced last week.
NTIA Makes Digital Equity Award to Idaho
The state of Idaho is the beneficiary of the latest funding from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) — receiving $6.3 million to implement the state’s digital equity plan, which outlines how Idaho will help provide individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from broadband access.
The award comes from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made more than $800 million available for digital equity plans.
“The Department of Commerce is not only connecting everyone in Idaho and across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet, but also making sure they have the tools and skills they need to make the most of that Internet connection,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, said in a prepared statement.
“Congratulations to the team in Idaho. We look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in the state can take advantage of an Internet connection — whether it’s for work, education, health care, or any other essential service.”
Recently, NTIA received more than 700 applications seeking more than $6.5 billion for the first round of the Digital Equity Act’s Competitive Grant Program.
Pennsylvania Announces Digital Equity Awards
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) approved $45 million in Multi-Purpose Community Facilities grants to support 49 projects in 26 counties across the state.
These digital equity awards were granted to eligible entities with public-facing facilities such as schools, local libraries, and community health centers to make improvements that will ensure people have free access to broadband. Among the notable entities receiving funding were a primary care health center in Allegheny County, affordable housing in Delaware County, and a public library in Northumberland County.
“Pennsylvania is leading the way when it comes to driving out these federal dollars to ensure more people have access to the internet. By expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet to every Pennsylvanian, we can create real opportunities for our students, our businesses, and our communities to learn, grow, and thrive,” Governor Josh Shapiro said in a prepared statement.
“Thanks to this historic investment from the federal government, my Administration has the resources to work with our community partners across the Commonwealth to bring reliable internet at high speeds and for affordable prices to every corner and every community in Pennsylvania — and we’ll continue to do that work effectively and efficiently.”
Additional information about Idaho and Pennsylvania broadband, including state funding resources, awards made, and state-specific coverage, can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpages for the states: Idaho | Pennsylvania
