The U.S. Department of Treasury has given the green light to New Jersey's plan to allocate over $50 million from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) for expanding broadband infrastructure across the state. This funding will back the New Jersey Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity (NJBIDE) pilot program, a competitive grant initiative aimed at enhancing high-speed internet access in areas with limited or no connectivity.
"This exciting program reflects New Jersey’s commitment to improving digital equity, especially in communities that have been historically underserved," said Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role that high-speed internet plays in everyday life, and this initiative will ensure that more New Jerseyans can access the tools they need for work, education, healthcare, and more."
The NJBIDE Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) was published on November 18 in the New Jersey Register. Applications opened on November 18, 2024, and will close on January 31, 2025. Eligible entities include co-operatives, for-profit providers, local government units, non-profit organizations, and utilities.
This investment accounts for 26% of New Jersey’s CPF allocation and aims to provide reliable internet service to approximately 28,216 residents statewide. The pilot program will focus on projects investing in fiber-optic infrastructure solutions with internet speeds of 100/100 Mbps upon completion and offering at least one low-cost option for communities.
The U.S. Department of Treasury-approved NJBIDE pilot program prioritizes broadband infrastructure deployment projects in Atlantic, Burlington, Cumberland, Essex, Salem, and Warren counties. These regions face significant broadband gaps including rural and economically disadvantaged areas where high-speed internet is crucial for connecting people to jobs, online education, telemedicine, and social services.
An interactive map provided by the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity helps applicants identify priority areas aligned with federal standards to inform project proposals addressing pressing broadband gaps.
For further details about the NJBIDE program and application instructions manual access visit the New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity website.
The New Jersey Office of Broadband Connectivity (OBC) works towards ensuring equitable access to affordable internet service across residents and businesses. It focuses on digital equity through programs funded by Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act along with CPF funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), a state agency responsible for regulating utility services like natural gas electricity water telecommunications among others ensures safe adequate services at reasonable rates responding also consumer complaints monitoring accidents within its oversight responsibilities.
