From the NTIA…

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today has approved and recommended for award an application from Minnesota, allowing the state to request access to more than $12 million to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.   

This funding is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them—for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online; others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.   

Minnesota will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which outlines how the state will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.   

“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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota to ensure residents across the state 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.” 

This approval is from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Native Entities to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans. These plans were developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. Awards of funding will require additional review and approval of State-submitted documentation.    

“For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. Minnesota now can request access to the funds to put its digital equity plan into action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”  

“Minnesota’s Digital Opportunity Plan is a framework to empower all Minnesotans with access, knowledge and resources to use broadband,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek. “The Digital Equity Act Capacity Grant funding will help us significantly move the needle on ensuring people statewide can connect with each other, achieve their digital technology goals, reap the benefits of a digital economy and harness the full power of broadband for education, health care, business and work.” 

Minnesota will use the $12,033,288 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including: 

• Pilot a Digital Opportunity Leaders Network to combine local energy, regional expertise and statewide continuity 
• Create a directory of Digital Opportunity resources 
• Explore potential models for a program similar to the Affordable Connectivity Program, a statewide technology helpline and a state-managed system to loan large-screen devices 

 Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future. NTIA will announce State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program awards from this first round of funding on a rolling basis.