News
Federal authorities have approved a string of State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program applications, following up a busy November for the NTIA.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program applications from Florida, Iowa, Montana, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
The approvals, announced today on the NTIA’s website, follow up a busy few weeks in November at the NTIA.
With today’s announcement, Florida, Iowa, Montana, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam will now be able to request access to funds to implement their official Digital Equity Plan.
Florida will have access to the largest share of funds on the list of today’s approvals.
According to the NTIA, Florida will be able to request access to over $41.7 million to implement ConnectedFlorida, support community anchor institutions, and private industry efforts to provide technical skills training.
ConnectedFlorida, according to the NTIA’s announcement, is ” a program that intends to subgrant funds for programs that encourage workforce development, digital literacy, device ownership, and other digital adoption activities.”
To close out November, the NTIA approved similar applications from Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Illinois, and Wyoming.
‘A significant step forward’
Arnold I. Palacios, the governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), was quoted in today’s release from the NTIA.
“This funding is a significant step forward in the Commonwealth’s commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to the digital tools and resources needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world,” he said. “We are grateful for this additional support provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and look forward to implementing our CNMI Digital Equity plans, which will enhance connectivity and inclusion for communities throughout our islands.”
According to the NTIA, $2.1 million was recommended for the Northern Mariana Islands out of the digital equity funding pot.
The money will “initiate discussions with telehealth and telecommunications providers to establish a robust telehealth network” across the territory’s various islands, according to the NTIA.
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