Florida, Mississippi, S.D. and Utah Awarded Broadband Planning Grants

WASHINGTON, November 29, 2022 – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department announced Tuesday that Florida, Mississippi, South Dakota and Utah were awarded their first broadband planning grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Florida was awarded $7.4 million, Mississippi with $5.8 million, South Dakota with $3.1 million and Utah with $5.6 million.

“I take great pride in knowing that this award will provide access to those communities who have for too long went without affordable internet connectivity, ” said Mississippi’s Rep. Bennie Thompson.

This is part of the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program and Digital Equity Act program of IIJA with the goal to deploy high-speed internet service networks and develop digital skills training programs.

$65 billion will be invested into expanding affordable high-speed broadband under the infrastructure law.

NTIA launched high-speed internet grant programs to build high-speed internet infrastructure across the country, create low-cost internet service options and address digital equity. The grants for 56 eligible entities are expected to be announced on a rolling basis.