The White House has made a historic investment to bridge the digital divide by announcing the $42.45 billion High-Speed Internet Grant Program. The funding is part of the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. This program aims to connect every American to affordable and reliable high-speed internet. The bill addresses the disparities that exist in underserved communities.
Key takeaways from this announcement are:
Digital Divide
The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act brings with it renewed hope for closing the digital divide that has long plagued communities across the country. The bill brings a historic investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure. It is poised to make significant progress in ensuring that all Americans have access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity.
Broadband Expansion
The program includes funding for broadband infrastructure deployment, targeting unserved and underserved households. It aims to connect low-income families, tribal lands, and rural communities across the country.
Federal Support
The federal government will provide substantial funding to ensure the success of this program. The goal is to boost broadband programs and encourage broadband providers to expand their services to reach more Americans.
Equity and Access
Recognizing the importance of digital equity, the White House is committed to ensuring access to broadband for all Americans. The program will prioritize the needs of tribal communities, low-income households, and other underserved populations.
Grant Program
The High-Speed Internet Grant Program includes a competitive grant program that allocates funds to eligible entities. These funds will support the development and expansion of broadband infrastructure and services.
This investment in high-speed internet reflects the White House’s dedication to closing the digital divide and promoting equal access to information and opportunities for all Americans. By fostering broadband expansion, the program seeks to enhance connectivity and enable individuals, communities, and institutions to thrive in the digital age.
Broadband in North Carolina
Broadband access in North Carolina has faced challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, the state has made significant efforts to improve access through various initiatives. The state government, in collaboration with federal agencies and private providers, has invested in expanding broadband infrastructure and closing the digital divide.
NC Receives $1.5 Billion in Funding
North Carolina will receive more than $1.5 billion in federal funding to expand the reach of high-speed internet funding across the state where it is not available as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This funding will enable the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, including rural communities and low-income households.
Digital Literacy
Specific provisions in the new law that benefit internet users in North Carolina include the establishment of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Digital Literacy Program. This program aims to address affordability issues and improve digital skills among underserved populations. Additionally, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding for broadband mapping and planning efforts, which will help identify areas that require targeted intervention.
Better for Businesses
Businesses in North Carolina can leverage broadband internet to enhance their communication through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP allows businesses to make calls over the Internet, eliminating the need for traditional phone lines. This cost-effective solution provides businesses with reliable and high-quality voice communication. VoIP (aka hosted PBX) brings additional features such as video conferencing and unified messaging.
In conclusion, with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, North Carolina is poised to see significant improvements in broadband access. The state’s efforts to expand infrastructure and the provisions in the new law will contribute to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that businesses and individuals can fully participate in the digital economy.
Boosts K-12 learning
The infrastructure bill’s commitment to bridging the digital divide doesn’t just stop at expanding broadband access to unserved and underserved areas. It also recognizes the vital role that high-speed internet plays in K-12 education and aims to boost learning opportunities for students across the country.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning has become an essential part of education. However, the digital divide has greatly impacted students from low-income households and rural communities, hindering their access to quality education.
By allocating funds to K-12 education, the bill aims to improve both in-school and remote learning experiences. It recognizes that access to high-speed internet is not a luxury but a necessity for students. Whether it’s participating in virtual classrooms, accessing online educational materials, or connecting with teachers and peers, reliable broadband connectivity is crucial for students to succeed in today’s digital age. The education sector is full of a lot of moving cogs. A properly designed education phone system from a reliable cloud-based phone provider can help keep communications flowing in the ever-changing school dynamic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the high-speed broadband infrastructure bill is a major boost to North Carolina and its citizens. The bill peovides more than $1.5 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access across the state, including underserved areas. This will give all North Carolinians equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy and access quality education resources. Additionally, businesses can benefit from cost-effective solutions such as VoIP technology that enables reliable communication. To learn more about how you can get connected today, contact Carolina Digital Phone at (336) 544-4000.
