WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Maine’s Digital Equity plan. Maine is the first state to reach this important milestone.

The Digital Equity Act, part of the Internet for All initiative and a key piece of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. The program aims to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy.

Using $542,222 from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, Maine created a plan aimed at addressing disparities in digital access, skills and affordability across the state.

States are continuing to submit their plans for NTIA’s acceptance and NTIA will accept plans on a rolling basis. In the coming months, NTIA will launch the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.

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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration   

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA’s programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.