The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it will provide more than $6.3 million in funding to the state of Idaho to provide residents with access to high-speed internet and improve digital equity in the state.
The funding comes as part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative, part of his “Invest in America” policy. In total, more than $800 million was made available from the Digital Equity Act capacity program.
“President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in Idaho and across the country has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The Department of Commerce’s efforts to build high-speed internet infrastructure are only part of the equation.Idaho families need the tools and skills they need to get the most out of their internet connection, and that’s what we’re seeing today. This is a $6.3 million opportunity we are announcing: Digital Equity for President Biden. This initiative will make the promise of the internet more accessible to all Idahoans, no matter where they live or what their background is. It will come true. ”
In Idaho, this funding will be used to address affordability and availability of high-speed internet and digital devices and improve digital equity across the state. State funding is determined using a formula based on the bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which uses the state’s population and current high-speed internet availability.
