Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program:  How Your Organization Can Tap into Billions Of Dollars in Broadband Funding

This webinar on July 12, 2022 focused on guiding entities/organizations engaged in broadband connectivity/development/access to receive funding through The Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program. The Do's and Don'ts and things to note while applying for funding were also discussed in the event.

• In the past:
  • 2010 FCC National Broadband Plan outlined goals for national investment in broadband infrastructure.
  • Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 saw $1.5B -  3 programs, State/Provider partnerships, Tribal Broadband and Connecting Minority Communities.
• The aim of the programs is to solve the digital divide
• It is important to ensure organizations do not self discount themselves from the programs, since there is a wide diverse set of entities that can receive the funds
• There have been many organizations belonging to different categories that were able to get these funds

• New Website : Internet For All high speed reliable and affordable internet for all
• Middle mile is going to play a crucial role in the program's goals
• NTIA has about 48billion to administer towards high-speed internet access, affordability, and adoption:
  •  $42.45B under Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program - Funding partnerships between states or territories, communities and stakeholders to build infrastructure and increase adoption of high-speed internet
  • $2.75B under Digital Equity Act - Funds provided to promote digital inclusion and equity for all. This is to ensure that all communities can access and use affordable, reliable, high-speed internet 
  • $2.00B under Tribal Connectivity and Technical Amendments - This is to ensure access to high speed internet among tribal communities and on tribal lands
  • $1.00B under Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure - Promote and expand middle mile infrastructure and to reduce the cost of connecting unserved and underserved areas.
  • FCC will administer $14.2B for Affordable Connectivity Program, USDA - $2.0B via Rural Utilities Service and $0.6B Private Activity Bonds authorizing State and Local governments to use private activity bonds for rural broadband.
• The Middle Mile Grant Program considers funding entities including but not limited to government, utilities, companies, and non-profits providing internet services.
  • The funds can be used for activities like construction, improvement/acquisition of facilities, engineering design, personnel costs among others.
  • One can find the details in the “Internet for All” website and are eligible to apply until Sep 30, 2022. 
• In order to understand how evaluation will occur and to ensure application is appropriately submitted, the speaker strongly and repeatedly insisted on reading NOFO.
• Sixty (60) points are allotted to project benefits and Forty (40) to Sustainability. The application asks about climate resiliency and related narratives regarding the proposal.
• Enabling middle mile program ---> in the internet for all website--- to apply till September 30
• NOFO is extremely important to read--- how evaluation will occur 
• 60 points to project benefits 40 to sustainability
• Application asks about climate resiliency and other narratives 
• The applicants are encouraged to partner together with other entities while applying for funding.