Rhode Island’s $100M Broadband Plan approved, bringing ‘Internet For All’ to Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s plan to provide affordable internet access to all residents has received federal approval.

Governor Dan McKee and White House National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard discussed the approval of Rhode Island’s broadband plan during a Zoom call with members of Rhode Island media organizations on Wednesday, July 17. The plan, part of the Biden administration’s Internet for All initiative, aims to ensure low-income families can purchase internet plans for as low as $30 per month.

“The BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) plan will provide an important bridge to economic opportunity, and the cost savings will make a real difference for families in Rhode Island,” Brainard said during the announcement.

The initiative is backed by over $100 million in federal funding awarded to Rhode Island last year to develop its broadband strategy. This investment is part of a broader effort to expand internet access across all 39 cities and towns in the state.

McKee emphasized the plan’s alignment with Rhode Island’s long-term goals. “It connects us in multiple ways, and it’s important for us to have this broad-band access across the board,” he said. “The name of the program really speaks for itself. It’s Internet for everyone.”

The governor highlighted how improved internet access would support key state initiatives, including education and economic development. “In every home, every day, learning matters. You need the access to the Internet and to the broadband to actually help us facilitate a real aggressive role,” McKee explained.

The plan’s implementation will involve partnerships with telecommunications companies, with specifics to be determined through an RFP process. Daniela Fairchild, chief strategy officer for Rhode Island Commerce, noted that the affordability threshold will be “worked out and determined through the RFP process and finalized in collaboration with the ISPs and telecommunication providers.”

Officials expect the initiative to have far-reaching impacts beyond just internet access. McKee pointed out potential benefits in areas such as telehealth, education, and job strategies.

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The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration issued the following press release earlier today.

Biden-Harris Administration Approves Rhode Island’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal 

Rhode Island Requested Access to BEAD Funds Totaling Over $108 Million 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Rhode Island’s Initial Proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. 

This approval enables Rhode Island to request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program—a major step towards closing the digital divide and meeting the President’s goal of connecting everyone in America with affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.  

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is ensuring everyone in Rhode Island, and all across America, has access to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Congratulations to the team in Rhode Island, we look forward to working with you to ensure everyone in the state is connected.” 

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rhode Island was allocated over $108 million to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service.   

Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses. 

“Today, Rhode Island can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “I congratulate the Rhode Island Broadband office for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service.” 

“Getting more and more Rhode Islanders online is how we take our state forward,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Internet For All allows us to better connect underserved communities and can revolutionize the way we teach our students, support our small businesses, and keep our state healthy. I’m thankful to the Biden-Harris administration, the NTIA, and our federal leadership for helping Rhode Island and our nation bridge the digital divide.” 

BEAD-eligible entities—the 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia—are required to submit for NTIA’s approval an Initial Proposal detailing how they plan to spend their BEAD allocation to deliver high-speed Internet access to all unserved and underserved locations within their borders. All states submitted their Initial Proposals by December 27, 2023.  

NTIA provides updates on the status of all 56 states and territories’ Initial Proposal here: https://internetforall.gov/bead-initial-proposal-progress-dashboard. 

NTIA will continue to announce approval of Initial Proposals on a rolling basis. 

One year from Initial Proposal approval, states must submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal coverage.