WASHINGTON — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from New York, allowing the state to request access to more than $36 million 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 funding 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.  

New York 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.

“Quality, affordable high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone in New York and across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We look forward to working with New York to ensure residents across the state have the tools and skills to take advantage of quality, affordable high-speed Internet – whether it’s for work, education, health care, or any other essential service.”

This approval 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. Awards of funding will require additional review and approval of State-submitted documentation.    

“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. New York now can request access to the funds to 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.”  

“Access to affordable and equitable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity that drives opportunity, economic growth, and quality of life. With this significant investment from the Biden-Harris Administration and the support of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are closer to closing the digital divide for all New Yorkers,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “These funds will empower our communities with the skills, devices, and connectivity they need to thrive in today’s digital world – whether it’s accessing critical health care resources, expanding job opportunities, or enhancing educational tools for our students. Together, we’re building a New York where everyone has the opportunity to connect, grow, and succeed.”

“More universal access to affordable, high-speed internet is critical to thrive in the twenty-first century – whether that means accessing virtual health care services, gathering information for education, building a small business or utilizing financial services. I fought to create the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program in my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law and I’m thrilled that the program is delivering an additional $36 million in federal funding for New York today,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). “This major federal funding will help ensure that more families and businesses across New York have equitable access to the affordable & reliable internet service they need, empowering all members of the community and boosting our local economies. I’m proud that the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is continuing to deliver for New Yorkers.”

“Fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity for everyday life,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY). “This grant will help New Yorkers work remotely, take classes online, access telehealth appointments, and more. I was proud to have helped create this program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I will continue fighting to ensure all New Yorkers are connected.”

"I am proud to see New York receive this critical funding for digital equity programs,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-9). "Lack of access to high-speed, affordable internet is one of the key equity issues of our time. Connectivity is an equalizer and a gateway for opportunity and paramount to our economic prosperity. I was proud to support the Digital Equity Act in Congress and I am grateful for NTIA and New York for their work to close the digital divide in New York and across the country."

“I’ve worked hard over the years to ensure that every community, regardless of zip code, has the access and resources they need to work, learn, communicate, and live in this digital age,” said Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20). “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a key driver of that effort, and I’m thrilled to celebrate this federal funding for New York State that will further ensure digital equity and inclusion. I’m grateful to NTIA and all those who are helping to pull every corner of our nation into the 21st century.” 

New York will use its $36,984,641 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:

• Fund new and existing programs that distribute new and refurbished devices, such as computers or laptops
• Fund tech support programs as a job-readiness pathway
• Develop digital safety trainings that protect against stolen data, scams, surveillance and online harassment

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.  

###

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.