Agencies Team Up To Support Broadband Expansion for Libraries, Tribal Organizations
As many of us have now noticed, the stay-at-home orders stemming form the COVID-19 pandemic have created a whole new demand for video conferencing. Here at Thompson Grants, our team has the bandwidth necessary to conduct our project management activities to continue to provide services to our subscribers. However, many places nationwide are not as lucky, as their broadband capabilities are not sufficient, or are nonexistent, thereby widening the digital divide.
As part of the huge funding package under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (CARES Act), a pool of federal dollars has been allocated to help address this concern. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that they would partner to allocate $50 million in CARES Act funding to provide funds help libraries and tribal organizations increase broadband access in their communities. The funds will support work to expand digital network access, purchase Internet accessible devices and provide technical support services to their communities.
More than half of the funding was distributed through state library administrative agencies based on population to expand broadband access and prioritize their efforts to high-need communities using data on poverty rates, unemployment rates and broadband availability. In addition, $15 million will be awarded through grants to libraries and museums, as well as to tribes and organizations serving and representing Native Hawaiians, that can provide short- or medium-term solutions to address gaps in digital infrastructure. Applications for these awards are due June 12, with award announcements anticipated in August 2020.
"Now more than ever, it is critical that all Americans have access to broadband to participate in online learning, get medical care via telehealth, search for jobs, and stay in touch with family and friends," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. "Many Americans rely on their local library for this connectivity, so I'm pleased that Congress has provided funding to libraries and other entities to help them respond to the needs of their patrons during the coronavirus pandemic by bringing digital tools such as wi-fi and tablets into their communities. We look forward to working with IMLS to ensure that our nation's libraries and tribal organizations know about this opportunity and how it can help bridge the digital divide, especially in rural and low-income communities."
Now is a critical time to be able to stay connected, and to find the information online you need to stay safe. We fully support the provision of these CARES Act funds.
