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Edited by: TJVNews.com
The recent approval of New Jersey’s Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) marks a significant step in the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious “Internet for All” initiative. The BEAD program is an essential part of this broader effort, designed to bridge the digital divide by ensuring affordable, reliable high-speed Internet access to all Americans, especially in underserved and rural communities.
With this approval, New Jersey can now take the vital next step: requesting access to BEAD funding and implementing the program. This approval doesn’t merely unlock financial resources; it paves the way for transformative infrastructural improvements across the state. The broader vision aligns with President Biden’s goals of delivering equitable Internet access, a crucial component of his Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which underscores the federal government’s commitment to closing the nation’s technology gap.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted the importance of this milestone by framing reliable Internet access as a basic necessity in today’s world, alongside essentials such as electricity and running water. “In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education,” Raimondo remarked, emphasizing the role that high-speed connectivity plays in modern life. Without reliable Internet, individuals and businesses alike are unable to participate fully in the economy, cutting off opportunities for growth and development.
New Jersey’s BEAD program, supported by over $263 million in allocated funding, will tackle these challenges head-on. This funding is part of the larger $42.45 billion program authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed at ensuring nationwide digital equity. The allocation of such significant resources demonstrates the federal government’s understanding of the scope of the problem and its resolve to ensure every household, school, and business has the same chance to thrive in the digital economy.
The implementation of the BEAD program in New Jersey is expected to focus primarily on deploying or upgrading high-speed Internet networks in underserved areas. These areas include rural and low-income communities, where Internet access is either limited or unaffordable. By expanding the infrastructure required for reliable Internet access, the state aims to remove one of the major barriers to participation in today’s increasingly digital world.
Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, applauded New Jersey’s efforts, noting the state’s strong proposal for connecting residents to high-speed service. “Today, New Jersey can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” Davidson said, commending the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and its Office of Broadband Connectivity for their leadership in this initiative. With the groundwork laid by local and state leaders, the BEAD program will target areas most in need of connectivity improvements, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
While the immediate focus of the BEAD program is on expanding and improving broadband infrastructure, the program has a much broader mandate. Once New Jersey achieves its deployment goals, any remaining funds can be used to further enhance the state’s digital ecosystem. This could include efforts aimed at increasing digital literacy and high-speed Internet adoption through public education campaigns, workforce development, and training programs.
This flexible approach not only addresses the immediate infrastructure needs but also anticipates the longer-term challenges of maintaining and expanding Internet usage. As more households and businesses come online, providing training and support will be critical in maximizing the social and economic benefits of this expanded connectivity.
The BEAD program is one of several initiatives under the Biden-Harris Administration’s larger “Internet for All” strategy, which envisions a future where every American has affordable access to high-speed Internet. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that underpins this initiative goes far beyond traditional infrastructure investment, recognizing that digital connectivity is as essential to the nation’s success as roads, bridges, and electrical grids.
“New Jersey is thrilled to access this critical funding so we can continue our efforts to expand broadband across our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “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. We thank the Biden Harris Administration for their work to bring reliable, affordable high-speed internet to New Jersey and across the country.”
“Today’s approval brings us one step closer to bridging the digital divide in New Jersey,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This funding has the potential to ensure that every Jersey resident has access to affordable, high-speed internet – and I look forward to continuing to work with NTIA to advance the Administration’s ‘Internet for All’ initiative.”
“This isn’t just about improving internet speeds—it’s about ensuring that New Jersey is fully connected and ready for the future. I’ve fought to secure this $263.7 million so every community in New Jersey can access the opportunities that reliable, high-speed broadband provides,” said Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06). “Whether it is helping local businesses grow or expanding access to telehealth, this investment is going to open doors for economic growth and innovation. Together with the Biden-Harris Administration and my Democratic colleagues, we made a commitment as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring broadband to every corner of America. Today, we’re delivering on that promise and taking a major step toward ensuring reliable, high-speed internet for all.”
“Since I came to Congress, I’ve worked closely with my colleagues and our state and local leaders to secure investment that connects Jersey households to high-speed internet. In 2024, reliable internet service is key for healthcare, education, commerce, and more. The BEAD program is key to our mission of getting every Jersey household online, especially those from rural, harder-pressed areas like Sussex County,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m proud to partner with state officials and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration on our critical mission to connect the unconnected through the BEAD program. We are one step closer to clawing back federal investment that will bridge the digital divide in the Garden State.”
“By closing the digital divide, we help connect communities to their loved ones, healthcare, education, job opportunities, and so many day-to-day needs that now rely on high-quality internet access,” said Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03). “It is fantastic to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law hard at work for New Jersey and moving us closer to delivering reliable internet to more people across our state. I look forward to staying closely engaged with the proposal’s progress to help make sure those eligible for this assistance can get it as soon as possible.”
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.
