The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved a funding application from Alabama, granting the state access to approximately $13.7 million to implement its Digital Equity Plan.

According to a news release, this funding is part of the $1.44 billion available through the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Kenneth Boswell, Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, expressed optimism regarding the funding's potential impact.

"As we continue making progress toward access to high-speed internet for all of Alabama, securing this funding will help increase digital skills and opportunities for our residents," he said in the release.

This initiative aligns with President Biden's "Internet for All" campaign, which aims to ensure that all Americans can fully utilize high-speed internet.

Many individuals face challenges accessing the Internet effectively, including limited digital skills and affordability barriers that prevent them from navigating online resources safely.

Alabama's Digital Equity Plan outlines several key initiatives that the state will undertake using the newly awarded funds. These initiatives include supporting digital workforce development, expanding opportunities for online safety and privacy education, increasing access to computing devices and enhancing the online availability of government services.

The state of Utah was also awarded $7 million for its initiatives.

"Quality, affordable high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone in Alabama, Utah and across the country to quality, affordable high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "We look forward to working with Alabama and Utah to ensure residents across the states have the tools and skills to take advantage of quality, affordable high-speed Internet – whether it's for work, education, health care, or any other essential service."

Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7) emphasized the importance of Internet access.

"Access to reliable high-speed internet is not a luxury. It is a necessity," Sewell said. "Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Alabama can continue to deploy more resources to expand broadband and close the digital divide. These funds will be transformative for our state, and I look forward to working to ensure that they are equitably distributed in places like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and throughout the Black Belt."