White House reveals $42B plan to boost internet access.

The Biden Administration’s Plan to Connect Every American to High-Speed Internet

The Biden administration has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to bring high-speed broadband to every household and small business in the United States by 2030. With $42 billion in federal funding allocated under the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, this plan aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for all Americans.

In a fact sheet released on June 26, the White House emphasized the importance of high-speed internet in various aspects of people’s lives, including work, education, and staying connected with loved ones. It acknowledged that millions of households and small businesses currently lack access to reliable internet options, hindering their ability to thrive in today’s digital world.

“Yet, more than 8.5 million households and small businesses are in areas where there is no high-speed internet infrastructure, and millions more struggle with limited or unreliable internet options.”

The $42 billion in funding will be distributed among the 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, with each state receiving a minimum of $107 million. The Department of Commerce has released a coverage map that identifies gaps in access, helping determine the allocation of funds. Notably, 19 states are expected to receive over $1 billion each, with Texas and California leading the way with $3.1 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.

According to the White House, these funds, combined with other investments by the Biden administration, will enable every resident and small business in the country to have reliable and affordable high-speed internet by 2030.

Implementation and Challenges

States are required to submit initial plans outlining how they intend to utilize the funding by the end of the year. The Department of Commerce will review and approve these plans, a process that may extend until 2025. Once approved, states can begin awarding grants to telecommunications companies, electric cooperatives, and other broadband providers to build the necessary infrastructure.

However, the task of providing broadband access to low-population, rural communities poses challenges for companies like Verizon, Comcast, Charter Communications, and AT&T. These areas are often deemed less profitable due to the high costs of investment and limited potential subscribers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgency of bridging this digital divide, particularly as students faced difficulties with online schooling.

Despite these challenges, the Biden administration’s plan represents a significant step towards achieving universal high-speed internet access in the United States. By prioritizing this essential infrastructure, the government aims to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in the digital age.