The third in a series of information meetings hosted by federal and state organizations will be held April 17 in New Brunswick for the public to learn more about the Internet for All initiative that aims to make high-speed internet access more affordable and available.
Federal, state, and local governments, industry, and other key stakeholders will gather to discuss coordination on broadband efforts as the state prepares to receive significant funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The day-long workshop meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center located at 10 Livingston Ave.
There is no charge to attend this event, but pre-registration is required by April 17. Lunch will be provided. Attendees can also attend the session virtually.
NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Alexis Bailey will moderate the “Think Locally, Plan Regionally” panel in which local and regional government representatives will discuss solutions to meet their communities’ digital equity needs and how a regional approach to broadband can help create efficiencies and leverage expertise.
Other workshop sessions will include an update on the state implementation plan; coordination of broadband infrastructure expansion including permitting, easements, and dig-one policies; incorporating telehealth into local community planning, workforce strategies and more.
Under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, a historic $65 billion in funding is available to the states to transform the nation’s digital infrastructure. More than $300 million has already been distributed to states for planning grants to prepare to use the coming billions in broadband funding effectively.
High-speed Internet deployment and equity projects will create over 150,000 good-paying jobs. The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program aims to drive investment in a skilled, competitive, and diverse telecommunications workforce.
NTIA and the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity will continue hosting monthly meetings through July about the BEAD program and Digital Equity Act grant funding.
The April 17 meeting is hosted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity and the New Jersey League of Municipalities. To reserve a complimentary ticket to attend either in-person or online go here.
