TRENTON - New Jersey’s plan for $263.7 million in funding from the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
This marks a significant step in the Garden State’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide affordable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities.
This funding, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will prioritize areas across the state that have long lacked reliable digital access.
This BEAD funding will enable New Jersey to expand its broadband infrastructure, targeting approximately 43,324 unserved and 29,212 underserved locations, as identified by the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map.
The state’s Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC), under the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), will lead the program’s rollout over the next five years, with the goal of closing connectivity gaps in both urban and rural areas.
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th District), chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that every New Jerseyan has access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet.
“This isn’t just about improving internet speeds—it’s about ensuring that New Jersey is fully connected and ready for the future," Pallone said. "Whether it is helping local businesses grow or expanding access to telehealth, this investment is going to open doors for economic growth and innovation."
