New Hampshire was one of the first states to receive approval for its broadband expansion program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. The Department of Business and Economic Affairs created the Office of Broadband Initiatives to develop and implement plans to bring high-speed internet to thousands of underserved and unserved areas of the state, and to close the digital divide through its Digital Equity efforts.
Tens of thousands of New Hampshire homes and businesses are in the path of this extensive broadband expansion program, made possible through the ARPA funding, as well the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The funding totals over $318 million.
Digital Equity is the principle that all individuals and communities have equitable access to and use of digital technologies and the internet, regardless of socioeconomic status, location, or background. Digital Equity Programs educate individuals, enhancing their understanding of internet access and usage, while also ensuring that internet devices and associated services are accessible and affordable for residents of the state. The Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, through IIJA, in concert with the BEAD Program, will strive to bridge the digital divide in New Hampshire.
Broadband is a vital component to the vitality of New Hampshire’s economy. Working with municipalities, communications districts, and internet service providers, BEA is using this historic broadband investment to connect thousands of homes and businesses throughout the state and to bring digital access and literacy to all Granite Staters.
2023 New Hampshire Capital Projects Fund (CPF), this is a copy of the CPF Annual Performance Report submitted to U.S. Treasury.
For more information about broadband in New Hampshire, contact broadband@livefree.nh.gov.