The US federal government provided over $3.5 billion to fund several broadband and connectivity expansion grant programs to be implemented by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

As local leaders have the best understanding of the gaps in their broadband infrastructure, NTIA is offering this $288 million broadband deployment program to partnerships between local governments and service providers to support broadband deployment to areas lacking sufficient internet access. 

Winning applications should focus on the greatest number of households in an eligible service area; provide broadband service to rural areas; and offer performance with download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 20 Mbps.

To learn more about NTIA broadband grants, please see the following resource.

As tribal leaders have the best understanding of the gaps in their broadband infrastructure, NTIA is offering this $1 billion broadband program directly to these governments to support areas lacking broadband, digital inclusion, telehealth and distance learning.

Winning applications will be judged on the level of need for these services; the technical merit of the applicant’s proposal; and reasonableness of the project budget.

To learn more about the NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, please see the following resource

The NTIA provides $268 million to carriers willing to deploy broadband to eligible historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

Winning applications should focus on providing broadband services to the qualified anchor community defined as areas 15 miles from the HBCU, TCU and MSI and an estimated median annual household income of not more than 250 percent of the poverty line. This program will remain in effect until the fund runs out.

To learn more about the NTIA Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, please see the following resource.