Grants

NTIA administers grant programs that further the deployment and use of broadband and other technologies in America, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth; improved education, public safety, and health care; and the advancement of other national priorities.

NTIA manages three broadband grant programs funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021:

• Broadband Infrastructure Program: A $288 million broadband deployment program directed to partnerships between a state, or one or more political subdivisions of a state, and providers of fixed broadband service to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas.
• Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program: A $980 million program directed to tribal governments to be used for broadband deployment on tribal lands, as well as for telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion.
• Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program: A $268 million grant program directed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the purchase of broadband internet access service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel.

In addition, NTIA continues to monitor the following:

• The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) (formerly called the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program) invested approximately $4 billion in projects throughout the United States to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service, and promote statewide broadband planning and data collection activities. The State Broadband Initiative was also responsible for creation and maintenance of the National Broadband Map.
• The State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP), a $121.5 million formula-based, matching grant program administered by NTIA. The program is designed to assist regional, state, local, and tribal government entities as they plan for a nationwide public safety broadband network. The SLIGP 2.0 round of grants provided up to $43.4 million in matching grant funds to provide continued support to States and territories.
• Previously awarded grants from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), which was terminated by Congress in fiscal year 2011. This program has helped public broadcasting stations and other organizations construct facilities to bring educational and cultural programs to the American public.
• The Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program, helped first responders better communicate during disasters. NTIA, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, awarded nearly $1 billion to fund projects nationwide. Program funding ended September 30, 2012.
• The Low Power Television and Translator Upgrade Program (LPTV), which helps operators of analog low-power television stations in eligible rural communities to upgrade their facilities to digital broadcast capacity.
• A grant to the Metropolitan Television Alliance to deploy and maintain a temporary digital television broadcast system in the New York metropolitan area.
• Grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and NTIA to the states and U.S. territories to improve 911 services.
• A grant to the Public Broadcasting System as part of the Warning Alert and Response Network.

Prior initiatives include the Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program and the Technology Opportunities Program.