Resource Guide

Broadband Funding

Securing funding is often one of the most significant obstacles when working to bring a broadband project to fruition. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new national focus to broadband access—and with it, an influx of available dollars. Today, there are several robust federal funding opportunities for broadband deployment and adoption initiatives. In addition, most states have created broadband funding programs of their own. In short, today’s broadband funding streams represent an unprecedented opportunity for investment that could definitively shift the national broadband landscape for the better.  

Each federal and state program has a different set of eligibility criteria, deadline cycles, and application requirements and best practices. Strategically applying for programs that are a best fit is one of the most effective ways to maximize the time and resources needed to complete an application. The following resources provide an excellent starting point for anyone looking to navigate the broadband funding programs that are currently available: 

‍

Guidebook

Federal funding guide

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

This interactive website provides information about federal broadband funding programs, and allows the user to sort information by agency, eligible entity, and program purpose. 

Compendium

Guide to federal broadband funding opportunities in the U.S.

Internet Society (ISOC)

This guide offers an overview of federal funding options that could provide financial support to Tribal, state, and local governments and utilities in their efforts to expand broadband infrastructure. It also explains how broadband can be more widely deployed.

Guidebook

Tribal broadband funding dashboard

Arizona State University American Indian Policy Institute

This interactive flowchart lists the broadband funding available to Tribal communities, including federally recognized Tribes and Alaska Native Villages, Hawaiian Homelands, non-federally recognized Tribes, and Tribal broadband providers. 

Article

The largest U.S. investment in broadband adoption ever

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

This resource describes the aspects of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that are related to broadband adoption.

Article

The largest U.S. investment in broadband deployment ever

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

This resource describes the aspects of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that are related to broadband deployment.

Article

How the infrastructure investment and jobs act will make broadband more affordable

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

This resource describes the aspects of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that are related to broadband affordability.

Compendium

Which states have dedicated broadband offices, task forces, agencies, or funds?

Pew Research Center

This interactive map resource allows the user to explore states’ broadband funding mechanisms, as well as other state resources such as broadband offices or agencies.