Governor Tina Kotek announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will be allocating $688.9 million to Oregon to help improve access to affordable, high-speed, reliable internet in unserved and underserved communities across Oregon. The funding allocation will be used to develop and deploy the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program from President Biden’s already received millions in federal dollars to support broadband access, as well as passing a cell phone tax, also dedicated to support broadband access.

Governor Kotek has already signed HB 3201 which aligns Oregon statute with federal rules, guidance, and best practices related to federal broadband funds by eliminating restrictions on the Broadband Fund. The measure aligns Broadband Fund speed requirements with current technology needs and requirements of funding sources, maintains a preference for unserved and underserved areas in Oregon, and provides a process for public notice and an opportunity for comment on applications.

“High-speed Internet is essential to our daily lives, but too many communities across our state lack access to reliable, affordable, high speed broadband speeds. We’re changing that,” said Sophorn Cheang, Director, Business Oregon. “I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for this historic nearly $690 million investment for Oregon, that will enable our State to increase access to quality, affordable, high speed internet for our unserved and underserved communities.”

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The Broadband Office is currently in the planning and development phase of their BEAD and Digital Equity programming. Critics of the program have pointed out that much of the funding is going to support hard-wired connections, when the technology is still shifting to wireless. Additionally, some are skeptical that government funding of information infrastructure will lead to increased government control of information.

Business Oregon’s Broadband Office is currently seeking community input as the agency readies a five-year action plan and initial proposal to map out how to use this funding. Input via the surveys and meetings will be crucial to inform the plan and gather information about specific barriers, needs, and opportunities related to high-speed internet access. For more information on how to participate, click here.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-06-26 12:01:37

Last Update: 2023-06-26 14:10:10