The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that Rhode Island received its first ‘Internet for All’ grants for deploying high-speed Internet networks and developing digital skills training programs under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative.
Rhode Island is receiving US$5,506,100 in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden, to plan for the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable and reliable high-speed Internet throughout the state.
“The funding for Rhode Island is the first step to ensuring affordable high-speed Internet is available to every resident,” said Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce. “This money will allow the state to conduct the important planning and digital equity work vital to making this program a success. I thank Governor McKee, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline for their commitment to connecting Rhode Island and bridging the digital divide.”
Dan McKee, Rhode Island Governor, added: “During the pandemic, households had increased reliance on broadband connections as access became essential for employment, education and daily activities. We thank the Biden Administration for this funding as it will help us in our mission to tackle barriers to connectivity, ensuring Rhode Islanders have better access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet and the valuable resources and information it provides.”
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