Biden-Harris administration awards $930 million for middle-mile infrastructure
(UC) — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced over $930 million to expand middle mile high-speed Internet infrastructure across 35 states and Puerto Rico.
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.
Middle mile Internet infrastructure carries large amounts of data over long distances, increases capacity to local networks, boosts network resiliency, lowers the cost of bringing high-speed Internet service to unconnected households, and helps connect unserved regions to the Internet backbone.
“Much like how the interstate highway system connected every community in America to regional and national systems of highways, this program will help us connect communities across the country to regional and national networks that provide quality, affordable high-speed Internet access,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said.
The $1 billion Middle Mile program funds construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure, along with administrative costs associated with running the program. Middle mile projects do not directly connect end-user locations.
“The Middle Mile program is a force multiplier in our efforts to connect everyone in America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information Alan Davidson. “Middle Mile infrastructure brings capacity to our local networks and lowers the cost for deploying future local networks. These grants will help build the foundation of networks that will in turn connect every home in the country to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.”
The Enabling Middle Mile Grant Program has announced new grants for middle mile projects, encompassing more than 350 counties across 35 states and Puerto Rico. These initiatives will involve the deployment of over 12,000 miles of future-proof fiber, passing within 1,000 feet of 6,961 community anchor institutions.
A significant investment of $848.46 million in outside match funding will be contributed by the awardees to support these projects. The grant amounts range from $2.7 million to $88.8 million, with an average award of $26.6 million. For more information on the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, visit BroadbandUSA.
In total, over 260 applications were submitted, requesting a funding amount of $7.47 billion. The application deadline for the Middle Mile program was initially set for September 30, 2022. However, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) extended the deadline to November 1, 2022, specifically for eligible entities with projects in areas affected by natural disasters.
To ensure widespread awareness and guide prospective applicants, NTIA conducted extensive outreach efforts. This included organizing 12 public office hour sessions, hosting four public webinars for potential applicants, and participating in six industry-led conferences focused on discussing the Middle Mile program.
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