We’ve been waiting for other shoe to drop since the Senate sent the bill to the House in August but the big news is that the Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2021 has passed. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance reports…

Today the Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2021 passed in the House, meaning the biggest federal investment ever in digital equity.

“This moment is unprecedented,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of National Digital Inclusion Alliance. “Not only is the funding an incredible down payment on digital equity, it is an acknowledgment of two decades of grassroots efforts to bridge the digital divide. NDIA and our community will make the most of this moment.”

The following digital inclusion elements are included in the new Infrastructure Act:

• Digital Equity Act: $2.75 billion over 5 years
• Broadband Grants for States, DC, Puerto Rico & Territories: $42.5 billion
• Broadband Benefit: $14.2 billion
• Tribal Connectivity Program: $2 billion
• Middle Mile Connectivity: $1 billion
• “Digital Discrimination” by internet service providers is prohibited
• Clear labeling of consumer broadband service offerings and prices

National Digital Inclusion Alliance was a major initiator and supporter of the Digital Equity Act, with the organization’s own definitions of “digital inclusion” and “digital equity” setting the standards in the act.