Broadband

Per capita broadband infrastructure funding is highest in rural states, a new report finds, even though the digital divide exists in all areas. Reviews.org examines funding states are receiving from the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program.

The underground blaze in downtown Sunday knocked out service to facilities around the state. Service levels may still vary, and some libraries may be temporarily closed.

An agreement with Gigapower LLC will lease unused fiber conduits, bringing high-speed Internet to residents, and swelling city coffers by nearly $8 million over 20 years. Officials have been looking to partner since 2020, to bring broadband to residents.

Plus, Wisconsin has been awarded additional funding for digital equity causes, a new NTIA document offers guidance for native entities applying for Digital Equity Act funding, and more.

Plus, Kansas has announced funding for digital skills training, a map illustrates municipal networks across the country, and more.

The county’s $17.08 million budget includes what may be the last disbursements of American Rescue Plan Act funds. These include thousands for broadband, but the county is also applying for a grant to expand access to veterans and seniors.

County commissioners allocated $6.7 million in 2022 to address recommendations from a study on broadband access. So far, work has included support for digital literacy instruction, including in health care and employment.

Plus, a new apprenticeship program will help bolster the broadband workforce, survivors of domestic violence can access support through the Lifeline program, and more.

After a customer survey revealed 70 percent of respondents did not have broadband, the Lewis County Public Utility District recently made the first links in a grant-funded, fiber-to-the-premises broadband network.

Connect Superior, a community-owned fiber-optic infrastructure project, was developed to provide high-speed broadband access to every home and business in Superior, Wis.

The Gopher State is finding Internet service providers are not applying for the grants because of regulations that would come along. These include having to provide low-cost services to low-income households.

Plus, New Mexico has awarded $40 million in grants for broadband, libraries in a North Carolina county are expanding access to Internet-enabled devices and assistive technology, and more.

The state Office of Broadband Access and Expansion has announced the money will go to Internet service providers, telephone cooperatives, pueblos and a tribal company. It’s part of a $70 million, state-led program.

Plus, a settlement will enable access to affordable Internet in New York, Indigenous libraries are getting funding for digital inclusion, and more.

The investment in American Rescue Plan Act funds will pay for an expansion of Time Warner Cable to more than 6,000 homes in Montgomery, Butler, Preble, Logan and Auglaize counties.

Internet service provider Comcast will deploy fiber in the Milford, Orange and Woodbridge areas, potentially reaching more than 160,000 state residents. The move is expected to reach nearly 173,000 homes and businesses.

Plus, Louisiana launched a $1.3 billion grant program, the city of Orlando is seeking a person or company to lead digital literacy training, and more.

The City Council in Superior, Wis., has approved a three-year agreement for a fiber management system for the ConnectSuperior broadband project in time for construction to begin.