Translator Disclaimers

The OBC is working in conjunction with the Broadband Access Study Commission to develop a report of recommendations for addressing gaps in Broadband access and deployment for the State of New Jersey.

 

The OBC is also charged with implementing New Jersey’s Digital Equity Planning Grant and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and through the U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund.

 

Combined, these funds will help fully staff the New Jersey Broadband Office for planning, deployment, mapping, equity and adoption activities, stakeholder engagement and education, data collection and analysis, and a competitive program for broadband infrastructure projects.

 

For more information visit: www.nj.gov/connect

New Jersey State Broadband Survey

The Broadband Access Study Commission (BASC), which is charged with developing recommendations to help the State achieve affordable and equitable broadband access for all residents and businesses, is asking all New Jersey residents to take the State’s broadband survey.

 

The survey will assess existing broadband speed and usage in addition to identifying where gaps in broadband service and access exist. The results of the survey will help the State pursue federal broadband funding.

 

Click here to take the survey. 

Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services for eligible consumers. Consumers who live on qualifying Tribal lands can receive enhanced support of up to $75 per month toward broadband services.

 

Additionally, the program provides a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. The one-time discount requires a consumer co-payment of more than $10 and less than $50. To print or submit an application online, please visit https://affordableconnectivity.gov/ or call 877-384-2575 for more information on how to applyand eligibility requirements.

 

Who Is Eligible?

 

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs:
    • SNAP
    • Medicaid
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • WIC
    • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
    • or Lifeline

 

Check out fcc.gov/ACP for a Consumer FAQ and other program resources.

Internet for All: New Jersey Local Coordination Workshop – Post-Event Materials - April 17, 2023
Agenda

 

Recording 

Internet for All: New Jersey Local Coordination Workshop 

 

Presentations 

State Update on Implementation of Federal Broadband Programs – Jennifer Nelson 

State Update on Implementation of Federal Broadband Programs – Brynn Deprey 

Coordination on Infrastructure Expansion – David Cook 

Telehealth Panel – Marisol Meyer 

Telehealth Panel – Jane Asselta 

Telehealth Panel – Evelyn Liebman 

Think Locally, Plan Regionally – Gary Altman 

Think Locally, Plan Regionally – Johanna Calle 

Workforce Strategy Panel – Stephanie Staub 

Workforce Strategy Panel – Amanda Bergson-Shilcock  

Workforce Strategy Panel – Rana Shanawani 

NJ Receives $263.7 million High-Speed Internet Grant Program as Part of Investing in America Agenda
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will be allocating $263.7 million to New Jersey to help improve access to affordable, high-speed, reliable internet in unserved and underserved communities across New Jersey

 

The funding allocation will essentially be the program budget for developing and deploying the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in New Jersey and ultimately implement the state’s plan. Read more here. 

 

President Biden and the Vice President make a significant high-speed internet infrastructure announcement at the White House

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

When will funding be available?
We are currently in the program planning and development phase. The federal deadline for the state's 5-Year Action Plan is August 16, 2023. Then the Initial Proposal for spending is due December 2023, and late 2024 for the Final Proposal. After the Final Proposal is approved by the NTIA, the program is expected to be implemented over the course of four years and is tentative to be completed in 2028.

 

Who is eligible for funding?
This will be developed as part of the State Action Plan under development now for the BEAD funding. Here is a one-pager from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

 

What can the funding be used for?
BEAD funds can have many uses, but there is a great need in the state, and broadband deployment will be a priority for funding. Examples of eligible funding uses include:

  • Planning for the deployment of high-speed Internet, including conducting research, collecting data, outreach, and training
  • Deploying or upgrading Internet in unserved or underserved areas or improving service to community anchor organizations
  • Installing Internet and Wi-Fi in multi-unit residential buildings
  • Adoption and digital equity programs
  • Workforce development programs and vocational training programs

 

 

2023 Program Projected Launch Timeline:

 

Digital Equity (DE) – Funds awarded for development, implementation and oversight of digital equity planning; Q2 2024

 

Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) – Priority funding to expand broadband access for unserved and underserved locations; 2024-2025

*Timelines are approximate and contingent on rollout of Federal programs and therefore may be subject to change