(BPD) — The CNMI Broadband Policy & Development Office, under the Office of the Governor, is proud to announce the award of $2,100,000 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding will propel the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to ensure every resident has access to affordable broadband, digital skills training, and the tools necessary to thrive in today’s digital economy.
Created and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to promote digital equity and inclusion across the United States and its territories. The NTIA’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which launched in March 2024 with $1.44 billion, marks the second phase of this initiative. These grants empower states and territories to implement their digital equity plans, following the success of the initial $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program in 2022. The CNMI submitted its Digital Equity Plan on May 31, 2024, which received NTIA approval on June 21, 2024. With this funding, the CNMI will now execute its plan to bridge the digital divide.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating: “The approval and recommended award of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant is another step forward in our commitment to providing the people of the CNMI with equal opportunities in education, employment, and overall connectivity. This investment reaffirms our mission to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.”
The $2.1 million grant will enable the CNMI to advance a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering digital inclusion and promoting equitable access to technology. These efforts will focus on ensuring that all residents, especially those in need, can fully participate in the digital economy and access vital opportunities for growth and development. This funding will support activities that strengthen community connectivity and empower individuals to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The CNMI BPD Office thanks the NTIA, the Office of the Governor, and all federal and local partners for their continued collaboration and support. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to transforming the CNMI into a model of digital equity and resilience in the Pacific.
For more information on the CNMI’s digital equity initiatives, email cnmi.bpd@gmail.com/.
