NTIA approved and awarded applications from California, Georgia, Indiana and New Mexico. These allow the states to request access to a total of more than $116.2 million to implement their Digital Equity Plans.
The plans outline how the states will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service, according to NTIA. The money comes from one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
California can now request access to more than $70.2 million to establish a state corps digital equity capacity grant program that would expand statewide and community-based digital inclusion and navigation programs. Georgia will receive more than $22.4 million to deploy digital navigators to help access online education, health, financial and government services and expand access to digital devices.
Indiana was awarded more than $15 million to roll out large-scale programs facilitated with other state agencies focused on expanding telehealth, digital skills, and upgrading state websites for accessibility. New Mexico will receive more than $8.6 million to conduct stakeholder engagement, education and outreach, and to evaluate the state’s digital equity plan.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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