President Joe Biden announced on Monday the allocation of $40 billion in federal funds to expand high-speed Internet across the entire country by 2030.
President Biden declared it to be the most significant investment ever made in high-speed Internet, emphasizing that in today’s economy, Internet access is equally crucial as essential services like electricity and water, in order to ensure its benefits are accessible to all individuals.
Joe Biden Announces $40B Digital Divide Project by 2030
This announcement marked the commencement of a three-week campaign by the administration, known as Investing in America, during which officials will actively promote the ongoing impact of Biden’s legislative agenda, particularly the extensive infrastructure projects taking place across the nation.
According to the White House, approximately 8.5 million homes and businesses across the country currently lack Internet access.
Vice President Kamala Harris reiterated the significance of high-speed Internet access during a White House event in the East Room, highlighting that 24 million people in the United States lack access due to either financial constraints or incomplete connectivity in their communities.
She emphasized that in the 21st century, high-speed Internet is not a luxury but a necessity in America.
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Expanding Affordable Internet Access
The recently allocated funding will be directed towards states with the greatest need as part of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program, a significant provision of the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted by President Biden in 2021.
Each state could receive $100 million or more from the government to enhance connectivity. The distribution of funds will be based on updated broadband coverage maps, considering the addition of over 1 million new coverage locations across the country in the past year.
In addition to this, the government recently announced $930 million in new infrastructure projects aimed at bridging the digital divide for all Americans. These projects will expand high-speed Internet infrastructure across 35 states and Puerto Rico, focusing on middle-mile connectivity.
Furthermore, the White House has initiated the Online For All campaign, which aims to assist more individuals, including families in impoverished areas, in affording Internet access. This program involves collaboration between grassroots organizations, corporate entities, and the Department of Education, as research suggests that around half of eligible Americans are unaware of the program.
In a separate initiative, Vice President Kamala Harris had previously announced a $175 million fund to ensure Internet access at the nation’s 61 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, emphasizing the essential nature of high-speed Internet.
Overall, the Biden administration plans to allocate over $90 billion to expand affordable Internet access, with an additional $25 billion provided through the American Rescue Plan to enhance connectivity in economically challenged regions.
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