Iowa

Future Proofing with a New Fiber-Optic Line

In June 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced more than $49 million across three grants through its Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure (Middle Mile) Program to build out Iowa’s middle mile infrastructure. These projects will reduce the cost of high-speed Internet by connecting local community networks to major networks and improve service to homes and businesses alike. NTIA projects that the $37.8 million Middle Mile award, made to MidAmerican Energy Company, will cross 32 counties and construct more than 700 miles of new fiber-optic line in Iowa.

Public Engagement through Town Halls

Iowa used Digital Equity planning funds to host 55 town halls between March and May of 2023. These meetings gathered key public input on the connections, skills, devices and affordability factors essential to creating Internet for All. The state held all but one of the town halls at a community library or community college campus.

Fostering Digital Inclusion with Digital Equity Planning Grant Funds

The state used NTIA’s Digital Equity planning grant to host eight separate workshops in September and October of 2023. These workshops engaged stakeholders on how best to foster digital inclusion for covered populations and rural communities — the families and individuals facing the greatest barriers to connectivity.

Mapping Broadband Intervention Zones

Utilizing the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF), the Iowa Broadband Office facilitated a first-of-its-kind invitation for communities to identify geographically challenging areas for connection and potential partnership opportunities, which created Broadband Intervention Zones. These zones may help prioritize future broadband funding and establish broadband readiness for other federal programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

Connecting on Priorities and Opportunities

Working with NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) team, the Iowa Broadband Office held and participated in four Tribal consultations to generate feedback on the priorities, plans, opportunities, and unmet needs of neighboring Tribal lands.

Connecting Unserved Locations

NTIA is working in partnership with the State of Iowa to plan for and deploy a historic $415 million investment in Iowa’s broadband infrastructure through the BEAD Program. Allocation of these funds will result in the connection of unserved and underserved locations across the state to high-speed Internet, creating economic opportunities and jobs in communities of all sizes.

Amplifying Federal Partners

In August 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that Iowa would receive $399,000 as part of its Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program (ACP Outreach Grant Program). This initiative aims to amplify outreach efforts and encourage participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among eligible income limited households.²⁰

The FCC’s ACP formed an integral component of the diverse range of measures used by the federal government to tackle the digital divide. These measures are part of the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth’s (OICG) overall strategy to connect everyone in America to high-speed Internet.