NTIA will make $811 million available through the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. The agency also announced tentative allocations to each U.S. state through the program. The agency said the money will go to states, territories, and native entities “to empower individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to benefit from meaningful access to high-speed internet service.”
Under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released on Friday, states and territories can apply for funding from the Administration’s Infrastructure Law to begin implementation of their digital equity plans. The plans identify the barriers to accessing and using digital resources and establish measurable objectives for promoting access to and meaningful use of broadband technology and advancing digital skills.
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said the money “marks our nation’s single largest investment in digital equity ever. This funding will ensure that our seniors, veterans, communities of color, families living below the poverty line, and people living in rural areas have the tools, skills, and devices they need to thrive in the modern digital economy.”
As part of the Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provided $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.
Friday’s Notice of Funding Opportunity announces the first support available through the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. It includes funds appropriated for Fiscal Years 2022-2024. Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future.
In 2022, NTIA began awarding $60 million to states and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Since then, all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico have submitted their Digital Equity Plans to NTIA for acceptance, and NTIA says it continues to review plans. Once an eligible entity’s plan is accepted, it’s able to apply to this new support opportunity.
In the coming months, NTIA will launch the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. The $1.25 billion grant program will make aid available to a variety of entities. Those can include some political subdivisions of states, native entities, nonprofits, community anchor institutions, local educational agencies, workforce development organizations, as well as territories. The competitive grant program will launch 30 days after NTIA makes its first Capacity Grant Program award.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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