Source: United States Senator for Ohio Rob Portman
Legislation Provides $65 billion in New Funding to Make Broadband More Affordable & Accessible
December 10, 2021 | Press Releases
COLDWELL, OH –Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), the lead Republican negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure legislation that recently enacted into law, hosted a roundtable discussion on broadband with area stakeholders at OSU Noble County Office to discuss the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act.
Portman highlighted that the legislation provides $65 billion to increase access to broadband services to connect more Americans to high-speed internet. Specifically, the bill provides $42.5 billion in funding to states to deploy high-speed networks to unserved and underserved communities. Ohio will receive at least $100 million, with more funding on the way as determined by maps currently being updated by the Federal Communications Commission.
The legislation also establishes grant programs totaling $542 million to promote digital inclusion efforts in communities that lack the skills, technologies and support needed to take advantage of broadband connections. It also creates a permanent broadband affordability program, the Affordable Connectivity Program, which 3 million Ohioans will be eligible to participate in at year’s end.
“We had a productive roundtable discussion about making broadband more affordable and accessible in Ohio. The recently-enacted bipartisan infrastructure bill will provide much needed broadband services to the rural and underserved communities in Ohio. Access to high-speed internet is a necessity for our farmers, students, and businesses across the Buckeye State. I am committed to making sure Ohioans have the tools to compete in the 21st century economy.”
Photos from the event are below:
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