Late last week, the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) of the Department of Commerce approved
California’s application for over $70 million to implement its
Digital Equity Plan. This funding is part of the $1.44 billion
State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (DEC) established
by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The funding will assist California’s efforts to equip individuals
and communities with the necessary tools and skills to access
affordable, reliable high-speed internet service.
This approval comes from the first funding round of the Digital
Equity Capacity Grant Program. The DEC program makes funding
($800 million) available for all U.S. states, territories, and
the District of Columbia to implement their State Digital Equity
plans. Funding awards will require further review and approval of
documentation submitted by the states.
California’s funding allocation totals
$70,226,453, scheduled to be used for several
key initiatives, including:
Developing a California Connect Corps digital equity capacity
grant program to expand statewide and community-based digital
navigation and digital inclusion programs.
Promoting digital inclusion tools and best practices.
Ensuring the sustainability of consumer subsidy programs.
Additional funding opportunities will be announced in the future.
For more information about the program, please refer to the
press release.
