Applications are now open for $1 billion in funding to enable middle mile broadband infrastructure.
Yesterday the US Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunication and Information Administration’s (NTIA) began accepting applications for the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. The program is designed to, “provides funding for this vital part of our nation’s high-speed network. With $1 billion in funding, the program will reduce the cost of bringing high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities.”
According to a press release announcing the program last May,
“In the 21st century, you simply cannot participate in the economy if you don’t have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet,” said Secretary Raimondo. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Americans across the country will no longer be held back by a lack of high-speed internet access. We are going to ensure every American will have access to technologies that allow them to attend class, start a small business, visit with their doctor, and participate in the modern economy.”
The Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program will award grants on a technology-neutral, competitive basis to eligible entities for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle-mile infrastructure. Today’s launch of the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program kicks off a series of Digital Equity Act steps that will invest $1.5 billion to heighten adoption and use, like digital literacy training, for those who need it most, including communities of color, rural communities, and older Americans.
Read more about the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program.
