The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is seeking public comment on the $48.2 billion allocated in the infrastructure bill to deploy broadband to unserved and underserved populations. The law is funding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, and the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.
The infrastructure law provides $65 billion to expand broadband in communities across the U.S. Of those funds, $48.2 billion is allocated to NTIA to deploy broadband to unserved and underserved locations, create more low-cost broadband service options, deploy middle mile infrastructure, and address digital equity and inclusion needs. NTIA is interested in input on the program design, policy issues, and implementation considerations for these new programs in order to meet the programmatic goals articulated in the statute and by the administration.
Development of the programs will also be informed by NTIA’s experience in promoting broadband infrastructure development and digital inclusion efforts through its BroadbandUSA initiative as well as through previous and current grant programs. NTIA intends to release an additional request for comment to address the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.
“This unprecedented investment in closing the digital divide requires input from a wide range of voices to assist NTIA’s efforts in the design and implementation of the new grant programs,” said Evelyn Remaley, Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information. “This feedback is critical to maximizing the impact of these programs, bringing affordable broadband to all Americans, promoting adoption, and closing long-standing gaps in digital equity and inclusion.”
Commenters are encouraged to address questions raised in the Request for Comment. Written comments must be submitted to regulations.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern on February 4.
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