The Biden-Harris administration recently announced that billions of dollars will be invested in high-speed internet infrastructure, a move making plenty of positive waves in the ISP space.
Just how much are we talking about here? Well, $42.45 billion will be used as part of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which will bring robust, reliable, and affordable high-speed internet to millions across the country. Grants will be handed out to the tune of $27 million on the low end and up to $3.3 billion as part of the program.
Another $14.2 billion is allocated for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), $2.75 billion for the Digital Equity Act, an additional $2 billion for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, $2 billion for the USDA’s Reconnect Program, and $1 billion for the Middle Mile Program.
To say this is a huge development is a major understatement. These programs will encourage collaboration between states, localities, and ISPs. It will also promote competition, innovation, and accountability to ensure efficient use of funds and deliver maximum benefits to communities nationwide. It is the largest internet funding announcement in history and considering this will connect some 8.5 million households to high-speed internet for the first time, this is an important opportunity for ISPs.
But, with such aggressive infrastructure expansion come some challenges. The government funding won’t always be enough to cover the larger projects, particularly in the rural areas this is expected to impact the most, so there will be some out-of-pocket expenses. And while customers will be more plentiful, they could be paying less due to the affordability piece of these programs.
The grand goal of this legislation is to connect every U.S. resident and business to reliable, affordable high-speed internet by 2030. By investing in high-speed internet, the administration is empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive, foster economic growth, and enhance educational and healthcare services .
There’s a lot of infrastructure to build across a very wide area to bridge the digital divide in the coming years and there’s no doubt ISPs will need help. The deployment is massive in scale and the logistics equally complex. That’s where Trifecta Networks comes in. We have the people and know-how to help ISPs get the many, many jobs ahead done.
So, let’s celebrate this significant step toward a more connected nation and a brighter future for all and as we embark on this exciting time and all the opportunity it affords, let’s work together to get IT done from coast to coast.