The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that Iowa can apply to receive more than $8.4 million to help provide the tools, skills and opportunities needed for individuals to benefit from internet access. The funds are a part of more than $800 million NTIA has made available nationally as part of the Internet for All initiative to expand access to high-speed Internet. “Commerce’s work building high-speed Internet infrastructure is only part of the equation. Families in Iowa need the tools and skills required to make the most of that internet connection,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a prepared statement. States will use this funding to begin implementation of their digital equity plans. According to the news release, Iowa intends to use its funding on strategies to address workforce training, education, health, civic and social engagement, and delivery of other essential services. The final draft of Iowa’s digital equity plan is available at ocio.iowa.gov.
