Constitution State News

HARTFORD–Members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation announced that Connecticut will receive $144 million to expand high-speed internet access through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a federal grant program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Access to high speed internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. It’s unacceptable that in 2023, there are still hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents who live in rural or low-income communities with limited or unreliable internet. Thanks to this $144 million in federal funding, in addition to the millions of dollars from the American Rescue Plan already out the door, more people in every corner of Connecticut will be able to get connected to fast, reliable internet. We’re proud to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to pay dividends for the people of Connecticut,” said members of the congressional delegation.

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, BEAD is a federal grant program that aims to get all Americans online by funding partnerships between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders to build needed infrastructure and increase adoption of high-speed internet. BEAD prioritizes unserved locations that have no internet access or that only have access under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations only have access under 100/20 Mbps. BEAD funding can be used for a variety of projects including: planning for the deployment of high-speed Internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training; deploying or upgrading Internet in unserved or underserved areas or improving service to community anchor organizations; installing Internet and Wi-Fi in multi-unit residential buildings; adoption and digital equity programs; and workforce development programs and vocational training.

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