WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Tennessee will launch its first Internet for All grants for the deployment of high-speed Internet networks and the development of Internet for All digital skills training programs the Biden-Harris administration has received the initiative. Tennessee receives $5,989,952.62 in funding from the bipartisan infrastructure bill signed into law by President Biden to plan for the provision and rollout of affordable, equitable and reliable high-speed Internet service statewide.
“I thank Gov. Lee for his work in expanding Internet service throughout Tennessee,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Meeting the needs of rural Tennessee residents is essential to achieving digital justice and closing the digital divide.”
All 50 states and six territories applied for planning grants for the Internet for All Initiative’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grants for all 56 eligible organizations will be announced on an ongoing basis.
Through the Tennessee Planning Grants Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
The BEAD program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs.
Tennessee will receive $4,906,138.56 to fund various activities including:
• Develop a comprehensive five-year action plan that identifies Tennessee’s needs for broadband access, affordability, equity and adoption;
• Research and data collection, including initial identification of unserved and underserved sites;
• publications, public relations and communication support;
• Providing technical support to potential subgrantees, including through workshops and events.
Digital Equity
The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs to ensure all people and communities have the skills, technology and capacity to take full advantage of our digital economy. The first part of NTIA’s implementation of the Digital Equity Act is to fund digital equity planning efforts.
Tennessee receives $1,083,814.06 to fund various activities including:
• Closing the digital equity gap and developing a nationwide digital equity plan;
• Advice on digital literacy, equal opportunities and adoption;
• Community and stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, and report development and distribution.
Internet for everyone
The bipartisan Infrastructure Act includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the country, create more cost-effective high-speed Internet service options, and address the needs of digital justice and… inclusion in our communities.
In addition, the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible households a rebate of up to $30 per month on Internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov to learn more.
For more information on the Biden-Harris administration’s high-speed Internet utilities, visit InternetforAll.gov.
