National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded more than $20.5 million to Michigan to implement their Digital Equity Plan.

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Rhode Island’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Rhode Island to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. Rhode Island was allocated over $108 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.  

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Hawaii’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Hawaii to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. Hawaii was allocated over $149 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.  

High-speed Internet service connects and builds communities, accelerates economic progress, and enhances public service capabilities.

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Maryland’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Indiana’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. This approval enables Indiana to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

Generations before us built infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewer systems to serve everyone in America.

The importance of the multistakeholder system of Internet governance was on full display in June in Kigali, Rwanda during the ICANN80 High Level Government Meeting (HLGM) and Policy Forum. I was delighted to lead the U.S. Delegation to the HLGM, participate in ICANN’s forum, and meet with leaders from around the world in support of that multistakeholder system. The multistakeholder system of Internet governance is the consensus-based decision making that takes place in those technical entities which, together, constitute the decentralized infrastructure of the Internet.

Each June, Pride Month provides an occasion to celebrate progress made by the LGBTQI+ community and reflect on the work that remains to create a more equitable future. For individuals identifying as LGBTQI+, high-speed Internet access can unlock educational and economic opportunities, customized physical and mental health resources, and social and community connections. We are shining a light on the unique ways high-speed Internet access can open doors—both for individuals identifying as LGBTQI+ and their friends and families—to realize a more equitable tomorrow. 

The third grant program funded by the Digital Equity Act of 2021 is the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. This information can guide organizations as they Get Ready to prepare their applications. The grant's purpose is to create the conditions where individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States. Allowable uses of grant awards include: