Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Shaheed Muhammad Morris
Date: 05/11/2023 609-477-0281
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC) will hold a digital equity event on May 12 in Palmyra, New Jersey. This is one of the first events that OBC is holding across the state to connect more New Jersey residents and businesses to fast speed internet service.

 

The free event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Palmyra Community Center, located at 20 West Broad Street in Palmyra.  

 

“There is no more important communication tool than the use of the internet and no more important aspect of internet access than ensuring digital equity,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Some New Jerseyans cannot access high-speed internet services. Some live in remote areas while others live in underinvested communities. Our digital equity event is designed to help all Garden State residents get connected.”

 

The event will offer participants information about the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity and programs that offer low- or no-cost broadband access. Government agencies, small business owners, entrepreneurs, telehealth companies, residents and more may attend this event to learn more about broadband services in their community and across the state.

 

One of the programs to be discussed is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program that provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. The ACP replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.

 

NJBPU launched the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity in the last year. The office is charged with implementing New Jersey’s Digital Equity Planning Grant and Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, two federal formula programs that will collectively bring to New Jersey a historic level of funding to build out Broadband for All.

 

“It is great to have an opportunity to connect locally and discuss how we will work towards digital equity in New Jersey,” said New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity Director Valarry Bullard. “This event will allow us to learn the broadband needs of and discuss services with the Palmyra community. We are grateful to Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait for making this community outreach event possible.”

 

To learn more about the state’s new Office of Broadband Connectivity, visit www.nj.gov/connect

 

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.