About BPU
NJ Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC)
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
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.
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
- Supplemental Handout: Digital Skills Charts and Graphs, National Skills Coalition
Workforce Strategy Panel – Rana Shanawani
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.
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
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
