Alabama Set to Receive $1.4 Billion to Expand Access to Broadband

FROM THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey announced recently that Alabama will receive $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Commerce to boost ongoing efforts to expand broadband access to unserved areas.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently released the state allocations from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, which oversees state broadband initiatives, will be the administering agency for the grant funds.

“My priority is for Alabama to gain full ability to be connected to high-speed internet,” Ivey said.

“We have taken several significant strides toward this goal, and today’s announcement provides a tremendous boost in the journey toward full broadband access no matter where you live in Alabama.”

States receiving the funds have 180 days to prepare and submit plans to the NTIA for use of the funds. ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division will complete Alabama’s required proposal. The division is also managing funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Alabama

Broadband Accessibility Fund for grant programs to help internet service providers extend service to previously unserved or underserved areas.

“Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Ivey and a strong team effort among the Legislature, internet service providers and many others, Alabama is continuing to make great progress in broadband mapping, planning and deployment,” said ADECA Director Kenneth See BROADBAND, page B11