NTIA Introduces Funding Opportunities Under White House’s $45B ‘Internet for All’ Initiative

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has put out three funding opportunity notices as part of the Biden administration’s $45 billion investment plan to ensure people in the U.S. have access to high-speed internet by the end of the decade.

NTIA will be responsible for administering and implementing the Internet for All initiative to be funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce said Friday.

State governments and other entities that are eligible to participate in the potential $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program should provide their letters of intent and planning budget proposals to NTIA.

The agency intends to allocate at least $100 million and offer process assistance to BEAD program participants.

For the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, NTIA will issue $1 billion in total grants to entities that will help the government build, acquire or modernize “middle-mile” broadband infrastructure.

The third program will award up to $1.5 billion for training efforts that align with the Digital Equity Act.

“In the 21st century, you simply cannot participate in the economy if you don’t have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

“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.”

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