South Carolina can now request over $551 million in funding to expand high-speed internet access across the state. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved South Carolina’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The BEAD program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
It aims to provide reliable and affordable internet to every corner of the country. South Carolina is one of four states, along with Georgia, Iowa, and Minnesota, to receive approval in this round of funding. Rep.
South Carolina broadband funding request approved
James E. Clyburn (D, S.C.-06) said, “The NTIA’s approval of $546 million for South Carolina’s BEAD program brings us one step closer to expanding broadband access to every corner of the state by connecting the final 31,750 underserved sites to the 21st century.”
The $42.45 billion BEAD program was authorized by President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
It provides funds to each state to upgrade internet networks and ensure universal access to high-speed internet. Since the pandemic, internet access has become a critical need, especially in rural areas. Quarantines highlighted the necessity for reliable internet as students and workers adapted to remote activities.
Jim Stritzinger, the director of the South Carolina Broadband Office, said, “This is a transformative time as we move forward with BEAD to bring high-speed Internet services to all remaining unserved and underserved South Carolinians and permanently close the digital divide.”
The approval allows South Carolina to start implementing the broadband equity program. The state can now request the funds and begin working on expanding internet access to all residents.
