What Did NTIA's Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth Accomplish in 2023?

Congress included the ACCESS BROADBAND Act in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and established the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). On April 30, OICG released its annual report detailing the office's work for 2023. OICG administers broadband programs created by both the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Four interconnected core pillars drive OICG’s initiatives, strategy, and key accomplishments:

1. Fund Broadband Infrastructure and Digital Inclusion Efforts: OICG funds broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion efforts to empower a variety of stakeholders including states, territories, Tribes, unserved and underserved populations, community anchor institutions, and service providers to invest directly in their communities. OICG also provides eligible entities and subgrantees with technical assistance.
2. Leverage Data for Decision-making: OICG works directly with federal and state partners to coordinate interagency activities and to obtain and share data for grant awards and pending application areas (as appropriate) in common mapping tools, including the Federal Communications Commission's Broadband Funding Map.
3. Facilitate Interagency, State, Tribal, and Private Sector Coordination: OICG coordinates efforts amongst federal agencies, states, Tribes, and the private sector through information sharing to enhance the availability, adoption, and use of high-speed Internet service.
4. Build Capacity of Communities: OICG builds the capacity of communities through outreach and communications efforts, including holding regional workshops and local coordination events, publishing tools and guides on effective strategies to expand broadband access and digital equity, and convening stakeholders.