The Biden-Harris Administration has approved New York State’s proposal for the Broadband Equity Access & Development (BEAD) program, which aims to bridge the digital divide. With this approval, New York State will have access to more than $664 million allocated for the deployment and upgrading of internet networks across the state. Alan Davison, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications & Information and NITA Administrator, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “It’s essential for access to jobs, access to education, access to health care yet here we are today in America in 2024 and there are still tens of thousands of people in New York and millions of people in the country who lack access to that basic high-speed internet connection.”
Governor Kathy Hochul reiterated the state’s commitment to connectivity while keeping it affordable for residents.
The funding will be directed toward ensuring that every corner of the state gains access to high-speed internet, a critical resource for education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has also approved Wyoming’s initial plan for using their portion of federal funding to expand broadband services.
Biden-Harris approves broadband equity funding
Wyoming will receive more than $347 million in funding from the BEAD program. These approvals allow both states to request access to their BEAD funds and start implementing their programs. Assistant Secretary Davidson stated that the approvals enable the states to move their Internet for All efforts “from planning to action.”
At the end of last year, all U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia submitted their initial plans for the $42.5 billion in BEAD funds.
These plans are being approved on a rolling basis, and 35 states and territories have already received approval. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used for high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses. Another phase of the proposal will take place one year from the approval of the initial proposals, where states and territories must submit a final proposal detailing how they will allocate funding to sub-grantees for deployment and ensure universal coverage.
