Alabama is set to receive $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Commerce to boost ongoing efforts to expand broadband access to unserved areas.
The state has 180 days to prepare and submit plans to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for use of the funds. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the funds through its Alabama Digital Expansion Division. The division is also managing the funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund program.
“My priority is for Alabama to gain full ability to be connected to high-speed internet,” said Gov. Kay Ivey in announcing the funding.
Since 2018, Alabama has invested $88.6 million of state funds through grant awards supporting 109 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 82,000 Alabama households, businesses and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe.
ADECA has developed a statewide broadband map and the Alabama Connectivity Plan, which guide the state’s expansion efforts into unserved areas.
