WASHINGTON, DC – The massive federal effort to provide internet access to every home in the United States took a significant step forward last week with the announcement of $930 million in grants to shore up connections in remote parts of Alaska, rural Texas, and dozens of other locations where significant gaps in connectivity persist.
The Department of Commerce announced middle mile funds to build large-scale networks that will allow retail broadband providers to connect subscribers to the internet.
According to department officials, the middle mile, or the midsection of the infrastructure required for internet access, is akin to the interstate highway system for connecting cities.
“These networks are the workhorses that transport massive amounts of data over extremely long distances.” They are bridging the gap between larger networks and last mile connectivity,” said Mitch Landrieu, White House infrastructure coordinator.
The grants, which were distributed to various state government agencies, tribal governments, and telephone and power cooperatives, would subsidise efforts to lay new fibre throughout 35 states and Puerto Rico, totaling 12,000 kilometres.
The highest funding, costing $89 million, would be used to build a fibre network through a remote area of Alaska, where 55% of people lack basic internet connection.
The extension is one of several efforts pushed through Congress by President Joe Biden’s administration to provide high-speed internet access to the whole United States.
“The Middle Mile programme multiplies our efforts to connect everyone in America.” “These grants will assist in laying the groundwork for networks that will connect every home in the country to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service,” said Commerce Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson.
Companies given middle mile grants will have up to five years to finish their projects after receiving the funding, but a one-year extension can be requested under certain conditions.
