26 Jun NECTA Statement on BEAD Allocation of $825.8 Million for MA, CT, VT, NH and RI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2023
CONTACT: Benji Englander, [email protected], 202-331-0042
NECTA Statement on BEAD Allocation of $825.8 Million for MA, CT, VT, NH and RI
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – Following today’s historic announcement by President Biden and Secretary Raimondo of $825.8 million in state allocations of federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding for Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, Tim Wilkerson, President and CEO of the New England Connectivity and Telecommunications Association (NECTA), released the following statement:
“Permanently closing the digital divide is the top shared policy priority for private internet service providers and public policymakers. Private broadband providers have previously and continuously invested billions of dollars building out and increasing the capacity of their networks across the region. The infusion of hundreds of millions of federal dollars presents a unique opportunity to slam shut the digital divide for broadband access once and for all – but only by investing the money in a way that truly connects people to a reliable network. That means working through proven public-private partnerships to build out to the finite number of remaining unserved locations and remove the barriers to individuals and families that prevent them from adopting already-available broadband service. We look forward to working with state and federal leaders to ensure that broadband – and the economic opportunity it fuels – is accessible to every New England resident and business so they can work, live, learn, and thrive in the modern world.”
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About NECTA:
The New England Connectivity and Telecommunications Association (NECTA) is a nonprofit industry trade association representing internet service providers, television and content creators, and innovative technology companies in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. We are connecting New England through our members’ world-class broadband networks. Learn more.