The $1 Billion Middle Mile Grant Program Opportunity

Part 2 of Keller and Heckman's series exploring provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act dissects a portion of the Act allocating an additional $1 billion for middle-mile broadband infrastructure projects. Middle-mile infrastructure does not provide service directly to end users but is critical for expanding reliable broadband service into unserved and underserved areas. A way to maximize the likelihood of securing federal funding for middle-mile projects is to enter into creative partnerships with entities that have existing infrastructure and expertise to provide an end-to-end solution. In the coming months, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will adopt application rules and procedures providing more specificity and timelines for the middle mile program. For now, though, Keller and Heckman explores the key statutory provisions associated with the middle-mile infrastructure program.