Biden-Harris Administration Approves Maryland’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal
Maryland Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $267 Million
WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Maryland’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
This approval enables Maryland to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.
“President Biden is committed to investing in America, and that includes making investments to ensure everyone in Maryland and across the country has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "The team in Maryland created a strong plan to connect everybody in their state, and we’re excited to work with them to achieve that mission.”
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Maryland was allocated over $267 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.
Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.
“Today, Maryland can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the Maryland Broadband office for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”
"In order to leave no one behind, we need to get everyone online," said Governor Wes Moore. "The members of the Biden-Harris Administration have been extraordinary partners in our work to close the digital divide across Maryland -- from the western mountains to the eastern shore and everywhere in between. Today, thanks to robust federal support, we take a big step forward in our work to connect every Marylander with affordable, high-speed Internet. And we will not rest until we complete the mission."
BEAD-eligible entities—the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.
NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal.
NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis.
One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.
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Internet for All
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.
For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit InternetforAll.gov.
About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.