Two National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) grant programs are making funding available for states to expand broadband connections and advance digital equity, and entities can learn more about these programs and prepare to benefit from their states’ funding awards.
The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 includes $44.45 billion for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. BEAD designates installing free apartment Wi-Fi in affordable multifamily housing as an eligible activity and will distribute funds to states based on the number of unserved and underserved locations according to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program under the Digital Equity Act (DEA) is now available. This grant will provide formula funds to states to implement the Digital Equity Plans they submitted to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA).
Although PHAs do not appear to be eligible entities to apply directly for the grant, your organization can prepare to take advantage of these opportunities by:
- Visiting this site to familiarize yourself with your state’s plans under both the BEAD and DEA programs;
- Reading your state’s Digital Equity Plan to see how you fit in and how your organization could help the state meet its goals (i.e. potentially receive funding from the state);
- Identifying other digital equity organizations in your state that could be good partners.