Alabama broadband expansion program kicks off

Technical assistance for broadband expansion in Alabama is the focus of a series of meetings in the state. The Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance program kicked off recently and will be offered in each of the state’s 67 counties. The program works to provide technical assistance to municipalities and other public stakeholders in the state who are working to ensure broadband is accessible to everyone. The program is administered by the state’s Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Alabama Digital Expansion Division. Meetings are open to the public. The program will help municipalities prepare for broadband and digital opportunities. The funding stems from the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Alabama plans over the next few years to make funding available for broadband expansion. Plans include engaging with elected officials, internet service providers, government and community anchors, community-based organizations, and the public to shape plans that will set counties in the best possible scenario for expansion. $5 million in grant awards was made available from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and another $981,081 through the Digital Equity Act was provided to support program and planning efforts.