Bridging the digital divide one anchor institution at a time.
SHLB Welcomes NTIA “Internet For All” Initiative May 13, 2022
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Alicja Johnson
Communications Manager
ajohnson@shlb.org
(571) 308-6171
Washington, D.C. (May 13, 2022) - Today the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a new “Internet For All” initiative. The initiative launched in tandem with the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO’s) for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure program, and the Digital Equity Act programs.
John Windhausen Jr., executive director of the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, made the following statement:
“First things first, I want to recognize the great work of NTIA staff in launching these historic broadband programs in a very short amount of time. This is a big moment for broadband, and the agency has certainly risen to the challenge. We’re also extremely pleased that the BEAD NOFO recognizes anchor institutions’ need for symmetric gigabit connectivity and NTIA’s endorsement of open access and municipal and non-profit broadband providers. The BEAD NOFO also calls for state plans to streamline and promote cost-effective access to poles and rights-of-way assets, which addresses a key barrier that could prevent the programs from being successful. All in all, we’re excited to see the Biden Administration hit the ground running on broadband deployment and adoption.”
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About SHLB:
The SHLB Coalition is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) advocacy organization that supports open, affordable, high-quality broadband connections for anchor institutions and their surrounding communities. The SHLB Coalition is based in Washington, D.C. and has a diverse membership of commercial and non-commercial organizations from across the United States. To learn more, visit www.shlb.org.