Biden-Harris Administration Approves Alaska and Ohio’s 'Internet for All' Initial Proposals

Two States Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $1.7 Billion

WASHINGTON - The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Alaska and Ohio's Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration's "Internet for All" initiative.

This approval enables Alaska and Ohio to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program-a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President's goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

Today's action allows states to request:

• Alaska: Over $1 billion
• Ohio: Over $793 million

"In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in Alaska, Ohio, and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Congratulations to the teams in Alaska and Ohio. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the states is connected."

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion federal grant program authorized by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. NTIA allocated a portion of these funds to each state to deploy or upgrade Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.

Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.

"Today, Alaska and Ohio can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action," said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the state broadband offices for developing strong proposals for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service."

"To truly give everyone the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential, we must bridge the digital divide," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "In Ohio, we're working to bring high-speed internet access to every corner of the state, and this approval from NTIA will go far to help us reach our goal."

"The Alaska Broadband Office is pleased to hear of the approval of the State of Alaska's Initial Proposal of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program," said Alaska Broadband Office Director Thomas Lochner. "This approval means the State is on track to open the Alaska Broadband Grant Program Portal and begin accepting applications to expand the buildout of affordable broadband/internet to all unserved Alaskans. Alaskans can expect that portal to open in mid-December. I want to thank my team for the hard work they have put into this program, and I look forward to this new phase in our goal to provide Internet for all Alaskans."

BEAD-eligible entities-the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia-are required to submit for NTIA's approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.

NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories' Initial Proposal.

NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.

One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.

###

Internet for All

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration's high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.

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.