U.S., Mar. 29, 2024 /PRESSMUB/ — The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), under the Department of Commerce, has unveiled plans to provide California with $70,226,453.82 to advance digital inclusion initiatives statewide. This funding aims to equip individuals and communities with the necessary tools, skills, and opportunities to access high-speed Internet effectively.
This announcement comes as part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a cornerstone of President Biden’s broader “Investing in America” agenda. NTIA has made available over $800 million nationwide through the Digital Equity Act’s State Capacity Program, signaling a significant investment in bridging the digital divide.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized President Biden’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet across California and the entire nation. The allocated funds represent a crucial step towards fulfilling this commitment, enabling families to leverage the benefits of robust Internet connectivity.
The funding will enable states to kickstart the implementation of their digital equity plans, with California poised to utilize the Capacity Grant to execute its State Digital Equity Plan comprehensively. California’s vision is to provide all residents with access to high-performance broadband, affordable service and devices, and the necessary training and support for digital inclusion, fostering economic and social benefits statewide.
Through collaborative community efforts, these digital equity plans outline strategies to empower Californians with equitable access to high-speed Internet and essential digital skills. This initiative aims to ensure that all residents, regardless of their background or location, can fully participate in society and the digital economy.
The allocation of funds to each state follows a formula outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and detailed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. This formula considers factors such as the state’s population, the size of underserved populations, and the level of broadband availability and adoption, ensuring an equitable distribution of resources.
Details and a national news release related to this announcement are available on InternetForAll.Gov.
SOURCE NTIA, Office of Public Affairs