PROVIDENCE, RI -?On July 17, 2024, Governor Dan McKee announced that the United States Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Rhode Island’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.

This approval enables Rhode Island 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.

"Getting more and more Rhode Islanders online is how we take our state forward," said Governor Dan McKee. "Internet For All allows us to better connect underserved communities, and can revolutionize the way we teach our students, support our small businesses, and keep our state healthy. I'm thankful to the Biden-Harris administration, the NTIA, and our federal leadership for helping Rhode Island and our nation bridge the digital divide."

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in Rhode Island, and all across America, has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "Congratulations to the team in Rhode Island, we look forward to working with you to ensure 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. Rhode Island was allocated over $108 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, Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Broadband office for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.”

“Access to reliable and affordable internet is a 21^st century necessity and strengthening our broadband infrastructure will help pave the way for economic growth, enhanced educational resources, and a more connected future for all Rhode Islanders,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner.

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 here:?https://internetforall.gov/bead-initial-proposal-progress-dashboard.

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.

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet service programs, please visit?InternetforAll.gov.