NH Delegation Applauds More Than $18 Million to Expand State’s Broadband Infrastructure
Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announcement approving New Hampshire’s Final Proposals to deliver universal broadband access through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. This important step means that within 50 days New Hampshire will receive $18.6 million dollars in grant funding to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure. The announcement comes after the delegation called on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to reverse changes to the BEAD program that have delayed the disbursement of funding for broadband expansion across New Hampshire.
“Under the bipartisan infrastructure law, Congress worked together to approve critical investments that are making our communities safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Access to high-speed internet is a necessity for every city and town, and it helps businesses compete, ensures students can learn, and allows patients to see a provider. This funding should never have been threatened or delayed, and I’m relieved that it will soon be delivered to New Hampshire,” said Congressman Pappas. “I will continue working to secure resources that modernize our infrastructure and improve Granite Staters’ quality of life.”
“Having worked on the broadband provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I know how important internet connectivity is for small businesses to grow and compete, for students to learn and thrive and for those in remote areas to access health care,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m glad Commerce approved New Hampshire’s BEAD proposal so that we can take a great leap towards increasing access to broadband in every corner of the state.”
“Everyone deserves access to high-speed, reliable internet no matter where they live,” said Senator Hassan. “I worked with my colleagues to negotiate and pass the bipartisan infrastructure law to help expand access to reliable internet, and am glad to see our state one step closer to ensuring that everyone has access to broadband. I will continue to push for federal funding that supports Granite state families and small businesses and ensures that communities across our state, including in rural areas, can grow and thrive.”
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is not a luxury. It is a lifeline and economic driver for hardworking families, small businesses, farmers, and rural communities across our state,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “I look forward to seeing these federal dollars put to work quickly and effectively to deliver for New Hampshire.”