Funding comes from the senators’ Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed the announcement that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Colorado’s application for $12.3 million in federal funding to expand affordable high-speed internet in Colorado. The funding is from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“We wrote our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make sure we would connect every house to fast, affordable internet,” said Hickenlooper. “This latest investment will help expand the digital literacy skills we need to close the digital divide.”
“Access to high-speed internet – and the equipment and devices to use it – are necessary tools in the digital era,” said Bennet. “From homework to remote healthcare, this funding will make sure that all Coloradans have the tools to thrive.”
Colorado will use $12,368,261 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Creating a Digital Inclusion Innovation Lab to fund projects that increase digital equity
- Promoting Internet discount programs and cybersecurity services that are available through Internet service providers and other organizations or businesses
- Exploring a statewide ecosystem of device refurbishing, technical support, and recycling to increase device availability, affordability, and usability
Hickenlooper was part of the bipartisan group who wrote and negotiated the broadband provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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