Biden-Harris Administration Approves New Jersey’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal

September 06, 2024

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NTIA, Office of Public Affairs

New Jersey Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $263 Million

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved New Jersey’s Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.

This approval enables New Jersey 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.

“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in New Jersey and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the team in New Jersey. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone in the state is connected.”

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. New Jersey was allocated over $263 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, New Jersey 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 New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Office of Broadband Connectivity for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”

“New Jersey is thrilled to access this critical funding so we can continue our efforts to expand broadband across our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By ensuring that high-speed broadband internet is more accessible, we will generate educational and economic opportunities so that no New Jersey family is left behind. High speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Americans to work, live, and stay connected. We thank the Biden Harris Administration for their work to bring reliable, affordable high-speed internet to New Jersey and across the country.”

“Today’s approval brings us one step closer to bridging the digital divide in New Jersey,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This funding has the potential to ensure that every Jersey resident has access to affordable, high-speed internet – and I look forward to continuing to work with NTIA to advance the Administration’s ‘Internet for All’ initiative.”

“This isn’t just about improving internet speeds—it’s about ensuring that New Jersey is fully connected and ready for the future. I’ve fought to secure this $263.7 million so every community in New Jersey can access the opportunities that reliable, high-speed broadband provides,” said Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06). “Whether it is helping local businesses grow or expanding access to telehealth, this investment is going to open doors for economic growth and innovation. Together with the Biden-Harris Administration and my Democratic colleagues, we made a commitment as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring broadband to every corner of America. Today, we’re delivering on that promise and taking a major step toward ensuring reliable, high-speed internet for all.”

“Since I came to Congress, I’ve worked closely with my colleagues and our state and local leaders to secure investment that connects Jersey households to high-speed internet. In 2024, reliable internet service is key for healthcare, education, commerce, and more. The BEAD program is key to our mission of getting every Jersey household online, especially those from rural, harder-pressed areas like Sussex County,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m proud to partner with state officials and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration on our critical mission to connect the unconnected through the BEAD program. We are one step closer to clawing back federal investment that will bridge the digital divide in the Garden State.”

“By closing the digital divide, we help connect communities to their loved ones, healthcare, education, job opportunities, and so many day-to-day needs that now rely on high-quality internet access,” said Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03). “It is fantastic to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law hard at work for New Jersey and moving us closer to delivering reliable internet to more people across our state. I look forward to staying closely engaged with the proposal’s progress to help make sure those eligible for this assistance can get it as soon as possible.”

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.

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) 

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.