WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today awarded more than $6.3 million to Idaho to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This award is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them—for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online; others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.
Idaho will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which outlines how the state will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 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,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "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.”
This award is from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Native Entities to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans. These plans were developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.
“For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. Idaho can now put its digital equity plan into action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”
Idaho will use the funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Cybersecurity and digital skills training
- Programs to provide devices, like laptops and tablets, and device refurbishment centers
- Awarding public libraries and other institutions devices for loaning and in-facility community use.
Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future. NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards from this first round of funding on a rolling basis.
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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.