Application Process Open for Program That Addresses Affordability Barriers in Broadband

Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development is accepting applications for a technology program that aims to increase access to devices where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use.

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The Digital Connectivity Technology Program is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The program will distribute $20 million in devices through a competitive grant process to public-facing community anchor institutions and units of local government.

Eligible public institutions include libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, and not-for-profit organizations as well as community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband use.

Applicants must possess the technical, managerial, and financial expertise to design and implement the grant program within Pennsylvania.

Eligible projects include the acquisition of laptop devices that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. The devices will be available to eligible entities for use onsite or to individuals through a lending program.

No fee or cost is permitted to be passed on from the grantee to the end user in association with the devices. Ownership of the device must be maintained by those who obtain the grant.

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The minimum amount for any grant is 20 devices. The maximum amount is 200 devices.

Applications for the technology program will be accepted through Monday, August 19. Those interested in the program can find the application online.