June 30, 2023 – On June 16, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced $930 million to expand middle mile high-speed Internet infrastructure across 35 states and Puerto Rico as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All Initiative, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program invests in projects that build regional networks that connect to national Internet networks. The California Department of Technology (CDT) successfully secured $73 million from the NTIA for its statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI).
The NTIA grant reaffirms the commitment made by California stakeholders to address the digital divide that persists within the state. By focusing on the middle-mile infrastructure, the MMBI aims to bolster the backbone of fiber-optic broadband connectivity, enabling reliable and high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas. This investment will help empower communities by bridging the gap and facilitating opportunities for education, healthcare, business growth, and beyond.
The NTIA’s recognition of the MMBI’s potential impact is a testament to California’s strategic vision for inclusive connectivity. By already incorporating the grant benefit into its existing statewide network map, CDT is showcasing its optimism and dedication to realize a digitally connected California. The infusion of funds will forward the journey towards closing the digital divide and creating a more equitable society.