New Jersey Eligible for $18 Million in Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce – National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) on the State’s Digital Equity Plan, bringing fast speed internet one step closer to all New Jerseyans. Under the Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, NTIA awarded New Jersey $1,176,741 in October 2022 to develop a Digital Equity plan aimed at breaking down barriers to digital connectivity.

The NTIA also announced that New Jersey is eligible to apply for just over $18 million from their recently unveiled Digital Equity Capacity Grant for states, designed to help states begin implementation of their Digital Equity Plan

"President Biden is committed to ensuring everyone in New Jersey and across America has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Commerce’s work building high-speed Internet infrastructure is only part of the equation. Families in New Jersey need the tools and skills required to make the most of that Internet connection, and that’s the $18.0 million opportunity we’re announcing today. President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the Internet come alive for everyone in New Jersey, no matter where they live or what their background is."

“I want to thank President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, Administrator Davidson, and our congressional delegation for providing transformative investments for our communities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “One of our foremost goals, post-COVID, is building resiliency, and that starts with equity. COVID laid bare the stark digital disparities that exist in certain communities, particularly for our students. Ensuring that every resident has access to the basic tools needed to start off on equal footing in today’s world will help set them up for better success in life.” ¬¬¬

“Thank you to the Biden Administration and the NTIA for their ongoing support of our efforts to bridge the digital divide across the Garden State,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “The approved plan will build upon our progress toward addressing disparities in digital access, skills, and affordability, particularly in our underserved communities.”

The NJBPU Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC) conducted public listening sessions, surveys, and webinars to gather the perspectives of diverse stakeholders and ensure the State’s Digital Equity Plan accurately reflected the diverse needs and aspirations of the underserved communities across New Jersey.

The Digital Equity Act (DEA), part of the Internet for All initiative and a key piece of President Biden’s Investing in American Agenda, provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. The program aims to ensure that all people and communities have skills, technology, and capacity to reap the full benefits of a digital economy.

The Digital Equity Plan, which is part of the DEA, is focused on marginalized communities with a goal to support economic and workforce development, educational, health and civic and social engagement outcomes. The DEA established three main grant programs: 1) State Digital Equity Planning Grant, 2) the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for implementing State Digital Equity Plans, and 3) the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program for private sector, public sector, and not-for-profit entities to advance digital equity and engage in digital inclusion activities.

The Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will be announced later this year according to the NTIA announcement of the Capacity Grant Program.

For more information about The NJBPU Office of Broadband Connectivity and the State’s plans to ensure Internet for All, visit www.nj.gov/connect.