NTIA Updates Comprehensive Guide to Federal Broadband Funding

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has updated its BroadbandUSA website database of 57 federal broadband programs, spanning 14 federal agencies with billions of dollars for broadband grants, loans, and other resources. The site, created with the help of participating federal agencies, fulfills a goal set out in the Trump Administration’s American Broadband Initiative to make it easier for providers and stakeholders to find federal funding and permitting information. These federal programs provide funding for industry, state and local governments, schools, libraries, small businesses, and other community institutions that are interested in expanding broadband access. The funding includes direct grants, loans, indirect support, and discounts. Applicants can search for programs by agency, program purpose, and eligible recipients. A number of programs offer grants and loans for targeted populations and specific regions of the country. The inventory also includes well-known infrastructure efforts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Communications Commission. At the Commerce Department, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides grants through its Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs, which can be used to support broadband infrastructure projects, digital skills training, and smart cities development in the context of local or regionally driven comprehensive economic development strategies.