Biden announces more than $42 billion for states to invest in high-speed internet

President Joe Biden's administration has allocated $42.45 billion to states and U.S. territories as part of his pledge to increase broadband internet access to all Americans.

"High-speed internet isn't a luxury anymore; it's become an absolute necessity," Biden said June 26 during a White House event promoting the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program. 

Congress approved funds for the program, alongside other internet access expansion initiatives, as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill  Biden signed in 2021. The June 26 announcement provided more specific information about how the $42.45 billion will be divided among 50 U.S. states, five territories and the District of Columbia. Eligible entities can use the funds to administer grant programs within their borders, expanding broadband access to underserved communities. 

Once distributed, the funds will further Biden's promise of universal high-speed internet access. 

The allocations range from about $27 million for the U.S. Virgin Islands to $3.3 billion for Texas, according to the Biden administration. Nineteen states received more than $1 billion.

"With these allocations and other Biden administration investments, all 50 states, D.C., and the territories now have the resources to connect every resident and small business to reliable, affordable high-speed internet by 2030," said a White House fact sheet.

States and territories were to begin submitting initial proposals describing how they will administer grant programs July 1. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will approve these proposals on a rolling basis until Dec. 27. Once a proposal is approved, an eligible entity may receive at least 20% of its allocated funds.

Biden's plan has the potential to provide internet access to some of America's most underserved populations, especially rural and tribal communities. PolitiFact will continue monitoring progress on this pledge; for now, the rating remains In the Works.