Federal Broadband Funding and Implementation in IIJA and ARP

Last updated August 12, 2022

Author: Chenelle Hammonds, Policy Associate (chenelle@progressivecaucuscenter.org)

Background

In nearly every aspect of our lives, high-speed internet access, or broadband, is fundamental, allowing us access to information and connecting us to a broader online community. Yet, more than 30 million Americans live in areas where there is no broadband infrastructure, and a quarter million still use dial-up. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified our reliance on and increased the need for universal broadband services. Investments in broadband will help close the digital divide and ensure that Americans have access to affordable high speed internet services. This explainer provides context on the funding allocated for broadband in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Omnibus, including guidance for how such funding will be implemented at the state and local level.