Thread by @Benton_Inst

📢📢📢
We've put together a multi-part series on #broadband provisions in the #infrastructure bill:
benton.org/digital-beat?t…

Analysis organized around: Deployment | Adoption | Middle-Mile | Workforce Training | Tribal Connectivity
#DigitalEquity #InfrastructureBill
🧵👇

First up: Over *$42 Billion* for broadband deployment grants to the states.

The Largest U.S. Investment in Broadband Deployment Ever: benton.org/blog/largest-u…

The #infrastructure bill will not just build broadband networks, it aims to ensure that every American can use reliable high-speed internet service.

Enter: #TheDigitalEquityAct

The Digital Equity Act of 2021 allocates $2.75 billion to the states for digital inclusion planning and the implementation of those plans.

Big shout out to Sen @PattyMurray.
benton.org/blog/largest-u…

Next Up: Middle-Mile.
“Middle-mile” networks are the connections from national and major regional internet backbones to local networks.

Provisions of the #InfrastructureBill provide a new funding mechanism to improve middle-mile infrastructure and make it easier to deliver broadband in currently unserved and underserved areas.

benton.org/blog/investing…

The #Infrastructure bill also aims to make broadband service provided more affordable.

The law allocates over $14 Billion to the @FCC to put the Emergency Broadband Benefit program on more permanent footing and become the Affordable Connectivity Program.

The #infrastructure bill requires ISPs to reveal more service information, including pricing, to consumers as they compare plans.

And it takes unprecedented action against #digitalredlining which has led to unequal broadband access due to income, race, and ethnicity.

benton.org/blog/how-infra…

The #infrastructure bill also addresses the workforce needs of the telecommunications industry by including the Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act.

The law calls for an official @USGAO estimate for the number of skilled telecommunications workers needed in the U.S., a collaborative effort to craft recommendations addressing workforce needs, and guidance on how states can help.

benton.org/blog/addressin…

And finally, the #infrastructure bill will facilitate more work to improve broadband service on Tribal lands. It establishes a $1 Billion grant program at @NTIAgov to enhance the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.

Broadband is especially critical for Indian Country. @AIPInstitute research found 18% of tribal reservation residents have no internet access at home (aipi.asu.edu/sites/default/…)

Enhancing Tribal Broadband Connectivity is huge.
benton.org/blog/enhancing…

So there it is.

For us and our allies working to bring open, affordable, high-performance broadband to all people in the U.S., this renewed and updated Congressional commitment to universal service is astounding.

This really is our broadband moment—and Congress has stood up, recognizing broadband's essential role in modern life and providing the foundation to ensure everyone has affordable access.

But there is still so much work to do.

The #Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides support for efforts that will mainly be carried out at the state and local levels.

Communities around the country need to engage local policymakers, advocates, community anchor institutions, and representatives from vulnerable populations for long-term planning.

This once-in-a-generation investment must meet tomorrow’s bandwidth needs, not just today’s.
Solutions should support the values of access, equity & diversity and guarantee the benefits of broadband reach every neighborhood in every corner of the country.
benton.org/blog/infrastru…