“Broadband,” more commonly known as high-speed internet, is the wide-bandwidth transmission of data, transporting many signals through a range of internet traffic types and frequencies. This can be optical fiber, satellite, wireless internet or coaxial cable. Broadband is always on and is much quicker than dial-up or analog.
No, I don’t understand any of it but am glad I have access to it!
However . . .
When Joe Biden ran for President part of his platform was his idea of “Investing in America.” After his election, one of the bills brought forth was the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Included in that bill was monies to be set aside for a Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. After the process of making it’s way through both the Senate and House the bill was passed on Nov. 5, 2021 and signed into law on Nov. 15. Included in the bill was $65 billion, the largest investment ever, for broadband expansion. A large chunk of that money $42.45 billion was earmarked to the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. This program will expand high-speed internet access (especially to underserved rural areas) with planning, upgrading, infrastructure, deployment and adoption programs. When these goals are met, left over funding can be used for eligible access and equity related uses.
The pandemic brought about the need to create a longer term version of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Therefore, $14.2 billion is now designated for an Affordable Connectivity Fund, granting monthly subsidies of $30 for eligible households (down from $50).
All fifty states will benefit from this along with Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.
On Monday, June 26, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced the distribution of the $42.45 billion in funds. New Hampshire will be receiving $196,560,279.00 which should go a long way in implementing jobs and bringing those who live in rural areas up to speed with their internet needs!
The bill passed the House on Nov. 5, 2021 by a 228-206 vote, with only 13 Republicans voting for its passage. All four of our Democrat elected officials in Washington, DC voted to pass this bill and we are now seeing the fruition of it.