Biden-Harris Administration Approves and Recommends for Award Rhode Island's Digital Equity Capacity Grant Application for More Than $4.5 Million

WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from Rhode Island, allowing the state to request access to more than $4.5 million to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This funding is part of the "Internet for All" initiative, a key component of President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them-for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online; others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.

Rhode Island will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which outlines how the state will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

"Quality, affordable high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone in Rhode Island and across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "We look forward to working with Rhode Island to ensure residents across the state have the tools and skills to take advantage of quality, affordable high-speed Internet - whether it's for work, education, health care, or any other essential service."

This approval is from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Native Entities to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans. These plans were developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Awards of funding will require additional review and approval of State-submitted documentation.

"For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. Rhode Island now can request access to the funds to put its digital equity plan into action," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "The Biden-Harris Administration's Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills."

"Expanding access to high-speed Internet is an important step toward closing the digital divide," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. "Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're strengthening the Ocean State's information technology capacity to help ensure every Rhode Islander can participate in the digital age."

"We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for this grant - which is more than just an investment in technology; it's an investment in Rhode Islanders," said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. "Expanding access, enables every person with the ability to learn, communicate, and innovate - all necessities that ensure our economy thrives in the 21st century."

Rhode Island will use the $4,540,059 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:

• Invest in Covered Population-Serving ecosystems to ensure all geographic regions have access to comprehensive digital inclusion services; and
• Explore new family-sustaining career opportunities for residents in need to deliver digital inclusion services.

Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future. NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards from this first round of funding on a rolling basis.

###

About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.