President Joe Biden is taking significant steps towards achieving his administration’s goal of connecting all Americans to high-speed internet by 2030. Under his 2021 bipartisan infrastructure package, more than $40 billion in funding will be distributed to support broadband expansion nationwide.
The recently updated broadband coverage maps, which now include over one million new locations, were used to determine the allocation of funds to each state. Every state will receive at least $100 million based on their respective needs. This funding will play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all Americans have equal access to reliable internet services.
Drawing a parallel to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Rural Electrification Act, a White House official emphasized that President Biden’s initiative aims to deliver investments, jobs, and opportunities directly to working and middle-class families across the country. The significance of this endeavor cannot be understated, as reliable internet access has become a necessity for education, healthcare, job opportunities, and overall social connectivity.
States will need to submit their plans for utilizing the funding by December. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), housed in the Commerce Department, will review and approve these plans by next spring. At that point, 20 percent of each state’s authorized funding will be allocated, allowing infrastructure deployment to commence. By the end of 2025, at least 80 percent of the funding will have been allocated.
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The amounts allocated to each state were expected to be released by the White House on Monday afternoon. This transparency ensures that the public is informed about the distribution of funds and holds the administration accountable.
Earlier this month, the NTIA announced an allocation of $930 million for 35 “middle-mile” broadband construction projects. These projects aim to connect larger fiber networks to smaller, local networks that can reach homes and businesses across the country. This investment is part of the broader effort to expand equitable and affordable internet access nationwide.
In total, the Biden administration plans to invest over $90 billion in expanding internet access. Through the American Rescue Plan, more than $25 billion has been authorized to build out broadband infrastructure and subsidize the cost of connected devices for low-income individuals. This comprehensive approach addresses not only the infrastructure needs but also the affordability barriers that many Americans face in accessing high-speed internet.
Alan Davidson, the NTIA administrator, stressed the significance of the Middle Mile program in connecting all Americans. By bolstering the capacity of local networks and reducing deployment costs, middle-mile infrastructure serves as a force multiplier in achieving the broader goal of nationwide connectivity.
President Biden’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet is a critical step towards creating a more inclusive and connected society. Over the coming years, the funding and initiatives outlined by the administration will play a transformative role in providing opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic prosperity to all Americans, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.
