-Apply by September 23. The U.S. Department of Commerce seeks applications from state and local entities for grants aimed at putting affordable, high-speed internet in communities where it is not available. The funding is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, formally known as the Digital Equity Act, legislation that was passed by Congress in 2021. This initiative includes special provisions for rural communities, tribal organizations and more covered entities to assist in the costs associated with hardware and construction of broadband. Urban residents were more likely than rural residents to have a broadband internet subscription (91% of urban households vs. 87% of rural households). Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration will hold a Digital Equity Grants 101 Webinar on Wednesday, August 7 at 3:00 pm Eastern.
