Broadband

Fast reliable broadband is the backbone of the modern economy and is essential for the education, health, and wellbeing of individuals, households, and communities. As Governors implement generational broadband infrastructure funding to support access, affordability, and adoption of high-speed internet, this page will serve to promote their work and highlight developments in the public and private sector.

NGA Resources

Broadband Affordability Resources

Broadband Affordability Resources

Governors are championing new and improved strategies, from leveraging federal resources to launching new programs and partnerships, immediately increasing the affordability of internet services and permanently creating a more affordable ...
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Governors’ Broadband Investments are Creating Jobs

Governors’ Broadband Investments are Creating Jobs

Governors are creating new and more equitable workforce development opportunities through broadband investments and new digital tools. by Timothy Schoonhoven, Loren Shimanek, and Jake Varn Closing the digital divide has ...
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Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Package

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act makes generational investments in priorities such as repairing roads and bridges, boosting transit and rail funds, electrifying vehicles, replacing lead pipes, ensuring broadband deployment, ...
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Governors Prioritize Expanding Internet Access for K-12 Students

Governors Prioritize Expanding Internet Access for K-12 Students

Affordable, reliable internet access has never been more essential to a student’s education. Governors recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for distance learning and closing the digital ...
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Governors Lead on Expanding Access to Affordable Broadband for Telehealth Services

Governors Lead on Expanding Access to Affordable Broadband for Telehealth Services

The essential connection between internet access and access to health care has never been more pronounced. The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented level of need for telehealth to serve as ...
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Featured

IIJA Implementation Resources


As Governors lead on implementing the historic bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other state and federal infrastructure measures, the National Governors Association will be continuing to provide timely and actionable resources, create opportunities for Governors and their staff to convene and collaborate, and maintain relationships with critical federal, state, local, and private sector stakeholders. This page serves as a one stop shop for information on all these efforts. Learn more…


Digital Access And Skill Development

As Governors lead efforts to promote equitable and forward-looking economic recovery in their states and territories, the Workforce Innovation Network helps facilitate innovative state-level policy solutions that improve employment and workforce outcomes. Learn more…


Infrastructure Insights

NGA has collated a variety of resources to leverage the expertise of NGA partners to provide insights to assist with delivering specific program areas and cross-program tools and best practices. Learn more…

Federal Resources


Broadband Federal Funding Programs

The federal government administers several programs through various agencies to fund investment in broadband infrastructure access, affordability and adoption. The table below includes programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, those that were created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and previously-existing programs administered annually. This resource covers federal funding grant programs that have a discreet allocation of funding and are distributed to state and local governments, the private sector, anchor and health care institutions, and directly to the public. Additional federal support may be provided as an eligible reimbursement within other programs and formula funding sources, but these are not included below.

Terms/Abbreviations
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security ActCARES Act
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations ActCRRSA
Federal Communications CommissionFCC
Internet Service ProviderISP
National Telecommunications and Information AdministrationNTIA
Rural Utilities ServiceRUS
U.S. Department of AgricultureUSDA
U.S. Department of CommerceCommerce
U.S. Department of EducationEducation
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHUD
U.S. Department of the TreasuryTreasury
Universal Service FundUSF

Updated: 3 January 2023

Agency / BranchProgram NameProgram DescriptionTotal FundingIndividual Funding AwardsEligible RecipientsProgram TypeLatest milestone
USDA – RUSReconnect Loans and GrantsProvides loans, grants and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. Funding can be used for cost of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. $2 billion FY2022-2026 (IIJA) The maximum amount that can be requested is $25 million for the loan and $25 million for the grant. States or Local governments, Territories or Possessions of The United States, Tribes, Private businessExisting Program now supported by IIJA FundingNovember 2, 2022 - Submissions closed for FY22 grants and loans
USDA- RUSCommunity Connect Grant (CCG) ProgramGrant funds will be made available to eligible applicants to construct broadband networks that provide service on a community-oriented connectivity basis in rural areas.$79 millionStates, Local Governments, Tribes, Incorporated organization CompetitiveJune 20, 2023 - Completed Applications for grants due
FCC – USFLifeline – Low IncomeAssists low income individuals to help pay phone and broadband chargesUniversal Service Fund Allocates $9.25 per household discount for wireline or wireless service support per monthConsumer DirectExisting ProgramApplications for consumers open on an ongoing basis
FCC – USFSchools and Libraries – E-RateEligible schools and libraries receive discounts on costs of telecommunications servicesUniversal Service FundDiscounts range from 20 to 90 percent, based on the poverty level of the school, with rural schools and libraries potentially receiving higher discountsK-12, LibraryExisting Program March 28, 2023 - Filing window closes for FY2023 - filing window opens January 18, 2023
FCC – USFRural Health CareReduces costs for rural health care providers to make telecommunication services more competitive with urban provider costsUniversal Service Fund Eligible providers may receive a 65% flat discount on broadband servicesRural health care providers, including schools, community care centers, local health deptsExisting Program April 3, 2023 - Filing window closes
FCC - USFHigh Cost Program - Connect America FundTo deliver affordable voice and broadband service in rural areas that would otherwise be unserved or undeserved.Universal Service FundEligible Telecommunication CarriersExistingN/A
FCCRural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)A two phase competitive reverse auction to ensure the deployment of robust, sustainable high speed networks in rural areas $20.4 billion over 10 yearsISPsExisting ProgramPhase I completed. Phase II not yet announced - will award $11.2bn for broadband and voice to partially served census blocks.
FCC5G Fund for Rural AmericaDeploying 5G services to eligible rural communities$9 billionISPsExisting ProgramTwo competitive reverse auction processes expected
FCCAffordable Connectivity ProgramProvides discounts to eligible low-income families on broadband services$14.2 billion in IIJA$30 monthly benefit on a monthly internet bill. Up to $75 for low-income households on Tribal lands. Individual FamiliesExisting programApplications open to consumers on an ongoing basis
FCCEmergency Connectivity FundProvides funding to schools and libraries for laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots or other internet devices to ensure students have the necessary support to keep up with their education. $7.17 billion (ARPA)Reimburses 100% of the costs to purchase eligible internet equipment for a school or library.Libraries and SchoolsNew May 13, 2022 - Third round application window closed
NTIATribal Broadband Connectivity GrantsThe Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program provides grants for broadband infrastructure deployment; affordable broadband programs; distance learning, telehealth, digital inclusion efforts; and broadband adoption activities.$2 billion funding in IIJATribal governments and other eligible entities can apply for funding, with grant awards between $50,000 and $50 million.Tribal Governments, Tribal organizations, Tribal Colleges or Universities, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on behalf of the Native Hawaiian Community, and Alaska Native Corporations. ​Covid program extended through IIJA funding
NTIAConnecting Minority Communities Pilot ProgramFor to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the purchase of broadband internet access service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel.$285 million (CRRSA)This program provides grants directly to students to pay for internet services or equipment.SchoolsNew COVID ProgramAdditional Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program awards will be announced on a rolling basis.
NTIABroadband Equity, Access, and Deployment ProgramProvides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.$42.45 billion FY2022-FY2026 (IIJA)$100M to each State, D.C., and Puerto Rico
$25M to each other territory
$4.245B to "high cost areas" distributed by formula
$37.1B distributed by formula based on new FCC maps
States and TerritoriesNew IIJA formula programJanuary 13, 2023 - preferred date to submit challenges to FCC maps
NTIAEnabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure ProgramGrant program to expand and extend middle mile infrastructure and reduce costs of connecting unserved and underserved communities.$1 billion (IIJA)Awards expected to be between $5 million to $100 million. States and Territories, Tribes, ISPs, and local entitiesNew IIJA competitive programSeptember 30, 2022 - Applications closed
NTIAState Digital Equity Planning Grant ProgramThe State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program is a $60 million formula grant program for States and territories to develop digital equity plans.$60 million$60 million formula grant for states to develop a digital equity plan.States, Territories and Tribal governments New IIJA formula programJuly 12, 2022 - Planning grant application window closed
NTIAState Digital Equity Capacity Grant ProgramThe State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program dedicates a $1.44 billion formula grant program for States, Territories, Tribal governments, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizations distributed via annual grant programs over five years to implement digital equity projects and support the implementation of digital equity plans.$1.44 billionAmounts determined via formulaStates, Territories, Tribal governments, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizationsNew IIJA Formula programNot expected until 2024
NTIADigital Equity Competitive Grant ProgramThe Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program is a $1.25 billion discretionary grant program distributed via annual grant programs over five years to implement digital equity projects.$1.25 billionUnknown Local Education Agency; State Governments, including any political subdivisions of the State; Tribal/Native American Governments; Alaska Native Entities; and Native Hawaiian Organizations, Non-Profit Organizations; Community Anchor Institutions; and Workforce Development ProgramsNew IIJA competitive grant programNot expected until 2024
EducationGovernor’s Emergency Relief FundBlock grants for educational entities most impacted by COVID. The grants are largely flexible to cover current student and school needs.$3 billion (CARES) $4.053 billion (CRRSA)Funds are awarded to Governors’ offices 60% based on relative school-aged population and 40 percent based on children counted under ESEAStateNew COVID ProgramCARES funding available for obligation through September 2022, CRRSA funding available for obligation through September 2023
EducationTitle IV, Part AImproves technology accessibility and digital literacy for all studentsStates are awarded funds on a formula basisStateExisting ProgramRenewed annually
TreasuryCapital Projects FundTo help ensure that all communities have access to the high-quality modern infrastructure, including broadband, needed to access critical services$10 billion (ARP)States/Local, TribeCOVID program in American Rescue Plan ActSeptember 2022 - applications closed
TreasuryCoronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery FundThe ARP provided flexible funding to states to aid economic impacts, including in broadband infrastructure.$350 billion (ARP) Interim final rule publishedStates/Local, TribesNew COVID ProgramAvailable one year after pandemic declared over
Delta Regional Authority Delta Regional Authority - States' Economic Development ProgramProvides direct investment into community based projects, 75 percent of which must go to economically distressed counties and parishes. Half of these funds must be allocated to basic public infrastructure which includes broadband.$12. million (FY2022)States receive formula funding to be designated for eligible projects meeting program criteria.8 states in Delta regionExisting ProgramProgram renewed annually.
Delta Regional AuthorityDelta Regional Authority - Community Infrastructure FundTargets physical infrastructure projects to build more resilient communities in the region. Investments include basic public infrastructure development such as broadband.$15 million (FY2022)States receive formula balance to be designated for eligible projects meeting program criteria.8 states in Delta regionExisting ProgramProgram renewed annually
Appalachian Regional CommissionArea Development ProgramMakes investments in critical infrastructure and business and workforce development. Broadband is a prioirity investment area withing the critical infrastrucutre investments.$40.95 million (FY2020)Applicants should reach out to state grant managers. Matches are required and vary by counties' economic status.13 States in Appalachian RegionExisting ProgramProgram renewed annually