The Largest U.S. Investment in Broadband Adoption Ever

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will not just build broadband networks, it aims to ensure that every American can use reliable high-speed internet service. The Digital Equity Act of 2021 allocates $2.75 billion to the states for digital inclusion planning and the implementation of those plans. Key definitions of digital equity, digital inclusion, and covered populations are included in the new Digital Equity Act. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also created the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration will make grants to states to ensure states have the capacity to achieve digital equity and support digital inclusion. The State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program promotes digital equity, supports digital inclusion activities, and builds capacity for efforts by states relating to the adoption of broadband. Congress has allocated $1.5 billion for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. The purpose of the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is to support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption of broadband among covered populations. It totals $1.25 billion in funding, with $250 per year in fiscal years 2022-2026.

[Kevin Taglang is the Executive Editor at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.]