What the $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Means for Broadband Expansion
This month, President Joe Biden signed the $1 trillion Infrastructure Bill and Job Acts into law. This was not just another bill but rather an historic and bipartisan moment when it comes to investment in expanding internet access.
“This bill provides an unprecedented $65 billion in funding to build robust broadband infrastructure and address the many digital equity issues that our country still faces,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, Connected Nation. “We’re heartened by the way this bill tears down barriers to broadband access and adoption in ways that no previous legislation has and that states will play such a critical role to identify inequities, improve competition, and close coverage gaps once and for all.”
In addition to providing additional funding to states, a portion of the $65 billion was set aside to make the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program permanent under its new designation as the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program is critical as it directly benefits low-income families and other households struggling to pay for internet access.
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- $1 Billion in rural broadband funding available through USDA ReConnect. Application window opens November 24. LEARN MORE
- Connect K-12 provides data for school administrators and state leaders looking to expand bandwidth in classrooms. MORE INFORMATION
Bridging the Digital Divide: Explore broadband funding in the infrastructure bill webinar.
Join special guests from Merit Network and Grants Office, LLC as we detail the broadband funding that will flow from the Infrastructure Bill. Whether you are a state or local government, educational entity, or health care agency, attending this session will ensure you are well positioned to capitalize on this unprecedented funding. December 9, 2021, 12 - 12:30 PM REGISTER HERE
A national conversation on the Digital Divide The same week the infrastructure bill became law, Connected Nation marked 20 years of service in 2021 by hosting a "national conversation on the Digital Divide."
This event examined the issue of digital inclusion and inequities across the country. It featured live, expert panels in three U.S. cities (Portland, Oregon; Sugar Land, Texas; and Washington, DC) and stories from across the country about the impact of the Digital Divide. WATCH HERE
Keeping Connected: Meet Those Impacting the Digital Future of Michigan In this podcast series, we talk with leaders working to secure the broadband and digital futures of our communities. LISTEN NOW (OR LATER).
To learn more about how the MEDC is convening a group of stakeholders across Michigan to address broadband and technology adoption issues and increase broadband access throughout the state. Go to michiganbusiness.org/broadband
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