NH Delegation Announces Approval of NH’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal

Today the New Hampshire delegation announced the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) approval of New Hampshire’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program of the “Internet for All” initiative.

This approval enables New Hampshire to request more than $196 million to begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and connecting Granite Staters with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

“Expanding high-speed Internet in New Hampshire helps close the digital equity gap, enabling our businesses to compete, communities to thrive, and Granite Staters to succeed,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deliver critical investments into our communities from broadband to water infrastructure, and I’m pleased to see New Hampshire moving forward in this process. I will continue working to secure resources to improve quality of life and education and ensure broadband is available to all.”

“Access to affordable and reliable high speed internet service is critical for millions of working families and businesses—especially in underserved communities," said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “As a lead negotiator of the broadband provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m pleased to see that New Hampshire is moving forward in the process, bringing the state closer to accessing nearly $200 million and closing the digital divide.”

“Bringing reliable, high-speed Internet to more areas of New Hampshire is a critical part of supporting people and small businesses across the state,” said Senator Maggie Hassan. “One of my key priorities in helping develop the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was ensuring that it invested in necessary infrastructure for high-speed internet, and now through this law, New Hampshire is a major step closer to expanding access to high-speed Internet for tens of thousands of Granite Staters.”

“Access to quality, reliable broadband is crucial to growing New Hampshire’s economy and helping our communities thrive, particularly in rural and historically underserved areas,” said Congresswoman Ann Kuster. “These significant resources made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s BEAD Program will expand broadband connectivity to more families, businesses, and communities across the Granite State and help to close the digital divide.”

“Thanks to President Biden’s commitment to investing in America, New Hampshire and Colorado can move forward with implementing their plans to close the digital divide in their states,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. " I commend the teams in Colorado and New Hampshire for creating a strong plan to ensure everyone in their states have access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.”

“Today, Colorado and New Hampshire can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. "I congratulate the Colorado and New Hampshire State Broadband offices for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their state’s residents to high-speed Internet service.”

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law. Funding will be used to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. BEAD-eligible entities 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. One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.