Utah Broadband Center Announces 2023 Planning Grant Recipients

The Utah Broadband Center (UBC), powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, recently announced the recipients of two new broadband planning grants. A total of $942,738 in grant funds was awarded to 28 organizations to facilitate local planning efforts to identify areas of the state needing increased investment in high-speed internet infrastructure, digital skills training, and access to online devices. These efforts will facilitate Utah communities’ access to critical online resources such as telemedicine, remote work, and educational opportunities. These plans will be included in the statewide five-year digital connectivity action plan and provide essential information about how the state can best support community members. Recipients of the Local Broadband Planning Grant demonstrated they have the ability, partnerships, and processes that will allow them to use grant funds to develop detailed strategic plans that increase broadband access in their local communities. The Local Digital Access Planning Grant recipients are tasked with creating strategic plans to identify barriers such as internet affordability or lack of access to devices, making it difficult for Utahns to utilize online resources. Recipients of the Local Digital Access Planning Grant will collaborate with community members and service organizations who are keenly aware of available resources and potential service gaps.