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 Access for Success in Postsecondary Education

Broadband Access for Success in Postsecondary Education

Postsecondary institutions have a critical role in expanding affordable broadband access and closing the digital divide. by Rachel Hirsch and Jake Varn The gap between those with and those without ...
Governors Start 2021 by Expanding Access to Broadband

Governors Start 2021 by Expanding Access to Broadband

Governors are proposing record levels of investments in broadband infrastructure. by Jake Varn, Policy Analyst, Infrastructure Tens of millions of Americans lack a reliable, high-speed internet connection due to either ...
The Future of  State Telehealth Policy

The Future of State Telehealth Policy

This paper summarizes the types of telehealth policy flexibilities provided by states and the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic and longer-term considerations for Governors regarding the impact of such ...
Governor Strategies to Expand Affordable Broadband Access

Governor Strategies to Expand Affordable Broadband Access

Access to high quality, affordable broadband unlocks access to commerce, remote work opportunities, remote and improved education, telehealth, intelligent agriculture, and more. (View/Download) Key Points Increasing access to the internet ...
Solutions for Rural Economies in Response to COVID-19

Solutions for Rural Economies in Response to COVID-19

Summary Times of crisis often exacerbate the economic challenges faced by rural communities. Following the Great Recession, for example, unemployment in rural areas rose by 6 percent, and rates of ...

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…

2024Mar5_Walz
State and Territory Spotlight - Minnesota

On March 5, 2024 Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced over $50 million in grants to expand broadband access to an estimated 8,900 homes and businesses throughout Minnesota. Twenty-four broadband expansion projects will receive grants from the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Broadband Development, helping deploy new broadband infrastructure around Minnesota. Using the grant funding, providers plan to expand high-speed broadband – offering speeds of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload – in 25 counties across Minnesota. “We’re investing in broadband infrastructure statewide to help thousands of Minnesotans connect to jobs, education, healthcare, and their communities,” said Governor Walz. “Helping more Minnesotans get online at high speeds is one of the ways we’re making Minnesota the best state for families, workers, and businesses.”

2024Feb28_Grisham
State and Territory Spotlight - New Mexico

On February 28, 2024, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law three bills that support addressing New Mexico’s need for housing and infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, water, and broadband. House Bill 177, New Mexico Match Fund, creates a fund to support state, local, tribal, and other eligible entities obtain match funding for federal grants and offset higher project costs associated with federal program requirements. A total of $100 million has been appropriated from the general fund towards the New Mexico Match Fund. House Bill 195, Housing Fund and Changes, opens the door for housing infrastructure and workforce housing development to be funded through the New Mexico Finance Authority Opportunity Enterprise Revolving Fund, which is funded by $125 million investment in housing in the 2024 budget. Additionally, House Bill 232 creates a new Infrastructure Planning and Development Division in the Department of Finance and Administration. This Division will improve and streamline infrastructure, capital improvement planning, track funding and project progress, and assist rural communities. Learn more in the Governor’s press release for HB 177 and HB 195.

2024Feb27_Ivey
State and Territory Spotlight - Alabama

On February 27, 2024, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced the awarding of nearly $150 million to continue the expansion of high-speed internet service to unserved areas across Alabama. The 66 Capital Projects Fund grants totaling $148.3 million were awarded to 16 internet service providers that will expand high-speed internet availability to homes, businesses and public institutions in portions of 48 counties. “High-speed internet service continues to strengthen and expand across the state, and we are taking the necessary strides on this journey to achieve full broadband access for Alabama,” said Governor Ivey. “This has been a monumental task, but it is one that will pay multiple dividends for our state and its residents. Today is an exciting day as we announce these latest projects.”

2024Jan31_Indiana
State and Territory Spotlight - Indiana

The Indiana Broadband Office recently announced that its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program Initial Proposal Volume I has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The IBO posted the Initial Proposal Volume I for a 30-day public comment period on October 6, 2023. After incorporating public feedback, the IBO submitted for NTIA approval on November 10, 2023. The IBO received and responded to NTIA comments in early December and Volume I was approved on January 31, 2024. Learn more in the press release and the program website.

2024Jan31_Youngkin
State and Territory Spotlight - Virginia

On January 31, 2024, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the release of the Virginia Permit Transparency (VPT) website to bring increased transparency and efficiency to the Commonwealth's permitting processes. “Our administration is committed to increasing transparency in the permitting process. The Virginia Permit Transparency website allows Virginia to continue to lead the country by bringing greater visibility to the regulatory and permitting processes,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia is demonstrating how a transparent permitting process can continue to attract top-quality business and job opportunities.”

2024Jan31_Cooper
State and Territory Spotlight - North Carolina

On January 18, 2024, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper joined President Joe Biden in Raleigh yesterday to announce $82 million in new investments from the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund that will connect at least 16,000 North Carolina homes and businesses to high-speed internet. This $82 million award will fund Governor Cooper’s Stop-Gap Solutions Program aimed at delivering reliable high-speed internet access to the state’s hardest to reach locations.

Federal Updates


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: April 15, 2024

Agency / BranchProgram NameProgram DescriptionTotal FundingIndividual Funding AwardsEligible RecipientsProgram TypeLatest milestone
USDA – RUSReconnect Loans and Grants (Rural eConnectivity program)Provides 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 FundingApril 22, 2024 - Applications closed for Broadband ReConnect Program Round Five
USDA – RUSDistance Learning and Telemedicine GrantsTo assist rural communities in acquiring distance learning and telemedical technologies so that local teachers and medical service providers who serve rural residents can link to other teachers, medical providers and experts. $60 million for FY2024 $50,000 to $1 millionStates, local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations, for-profit businessesCompetitiveApril 29, 2024 - Applications closed for FY2024
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 million for FY2023States, Local Governments, Tribes, Incorporated organization CompetitiveFebruary 20, 2024 - Applications closed (deadline extended)
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 Ongoing
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 1, 2024 - Filing window closed for FY24 funding
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 CarriersExistingAugust 21, 2018 - Phase II auction closed
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.
FCC5G Fund for Rural AmericaDeploying 5G services to eligible rural communitiesISPsExisting Program
FCCAffordable Connectivity ProgramProvides discounts to eligible low-income families on broadband services$14.2 billion (IIJA)$30 monthly benefit on a monthly internet bill. Up to $75 for low-income households on Tribal lands. Individual FamiliesExisting programProgram no longer in operation
FCCAffordable Connectivity Program - Outreach GrantsTo raise awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program$100 million (IIJA)Maximum of $400,000Individual FamiliesExisting programAffordable Connectivity Program no longer in operation
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 2023 - Awards announced from round 3, which closed May 2022
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 (IIJA)Tribal 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 fundingJanuary 23, 2024 - Applications closed for second round funding of Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program
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 ProgramIn post-award phase period
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 programNTIA in process of approving Initial Proposal documents
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 (IIJA)$60 million formula grant for states to develop a digital equity plan.States, Territories and Tribal governments New IIJA formula programMarch 29, 2024 - NTIA announced availability and individual state and territory allocations
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 billion (IIJA)Amounts determined via formulaStates, Territories, Tribal governments, Alaska Native entities, Native Hawaiian organizationsNew IIJA Formula programMay 28, 2024 - Applications closed for State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for states and Puerto Rico; July 31, 2024 - Applications closed for State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Territories (other than PR)
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 programJune 16, 2023 - Awards Announced
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 billion (IIJA)Unknown 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 programNOFO open - applications for states and Puerto Rico close September 23, 2024 and for other territories on October 22, 2024
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 ActAward announcements on a rolling basis
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
USDABroadband Technical Assistance ProgramProvides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training and supports the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives. $20 million for latest funding roundUp to $1 millionStates, territories, Tribes, local governments, institutions of higher ed., nonprofits, corporations etc.CompetitiveAugust 20, 2024 - Applications closed
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.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.States receive formula balance to be designated for eligible projects meeting program criteria.8 states in Delta regionExisting ProgramAnnual Rolling Cycle
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.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
Appalachian Regional CommissionREADY Appalachia - Community Capacity BuildingOffers flexible funding to organizations in four economic pillars: nonprofits, local governments, community foundations and local development districts, and free workforce training. Nonprofits, community foundations, local development districts and local governments. New ProgramVaries
Appalachian Regional Commission Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE)To drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects across Appalachia$80 million $10 million maximum for implementation grants, $500,000 maximum for planning grantsStates, counties, cities, local development districts, institutions of higher education, public or private nonprofit organizations or associationsCompetitive