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U.S. planning to make high-speed internet available to all with broadband infrastructure funding plans

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High speed internet

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is planning to communicate Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) allocation levels to eligible entities by June 30th.

This follows the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement to unveil an initial version of new broadband maps on November 18 and open the mapping challenge process.

The Biden-Harris Administration will allocate BEAD funds based on a formula derived from the map data. NTIA will work with the FCC to make sure that this data is accurate and reliable. People can search for their addresses and make challenges if they do not believe the broadband internet services shown are accurate. State or tribal governments can also make challenges on behalf of many people at once. NTIA will give technical assistance to broadband officials and governors’ offices as they prepare challenges.

Internet for All

The NTIA notified in August 2022 that all states and territories had applied for the initial planning funds as part of the $42.45 billion BEAD Program, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative.

The BEAD Program enables states and territories to expand high-speed internet access by providing money for planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs. These grant programs want to make high-speed internet affordable for everyone. They fund planning, infrastructure, and adoption efforts that help get all people connected with the skills they need.

Over 30 million Americans do not have access to broadband infrastructure that provides minimally acceptable speeds. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help lower the prices for internet service and close the digital divide so that more Americans are able to afford internet access.

All states and territories across the U.S. have Signed On to the Internet For All Initiative and have committed to connecting their communities to reliable high-speed internet for less. This will be done through the BEAD and State Digital Equity Planning Grant Programs, which will provide funds for infrastructure deployment, skills training, and access to essential technologies for Americans.

FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program offers a discount of up to $30 per month on high-speed Internet service for eligible households. Households on qualifying Tribal lands will get a discount of up to $75 per month.

Click here to know more about Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet programs.

Read next: Successful trial of Wi-Fi 6E showcases the future of higher education

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