NJ’s ‘Internet for All’ Proposal Approved

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Sep 6, 2024

New Jersey’s plan for $263.7 million in funding from the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

This approval enables New Jersey to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program — marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide affordable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities. The funding will prioritize areas across the state that have long lacked reliable digital access.

“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education. The Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in New Jersey and across the country has access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet,” said US 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 $263.7 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks. 

The funding will enable New Jersey to expand its broadband infrastructure, targeting approximately 43,324 unserved and 29,212 underserved locations, as identified by the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map. The state’s Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC), under the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), will lead the program’s rollout over the next five years, with the goal of closing connectivity gaps in both urban and rural areas. 

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 its 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.”

Gov. Phil Murphy added that the state is thrilled to access the funding. 

“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,” Murphy said.

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. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.  

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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