New Jersey Secures $62M Federal Award To Connect Unserved Communities

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved New Jersey’s plan to get about $62 million in broadband infrastructure funding through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced the approval Monday.

This marks progress. The state wants to close the gap between those who have internet and those who don’t. Money will go toward building infrastructure in areas where service is weak or doesn’t exist.

“Universal broadband access is essential to economic development, education, health care, and quality of life,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy, according to ROI-NJ. “This federal approval affirms New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring that every household — no matter its ZIP code — has a reliable and affordable connection to the digital economy.”

A 2023 report from Rutgers University’s New Jersey State Policy Lab found that about 14% of Black and 13% of Hispanic households in the state don’t have access to the internet and a computer. That compares with 9% of White households. The gaps widen in Newark, Trenton, and Camden, where roughly one quarter of all households lack internet access — 23%, 26%, and 23%.

NTIA will do a final check within 20 days. After that, the state will begin drawing funds and starting construction projects in early 2026.

The Office of Broadband Connectivity within the state board developed the plan after months spent gathering data and talking with the public. The strategy leans on partnerships between government and private companies, plus working with local groups to make sure connections last.

“Affordable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity,” said Valarry Bullard, Director of the NJBPU’s Office of Broadband Connectivity. “This award is the product of years of thoughtful planning, cooperation, and investment across state and local government, the private sector, and community partners.”

The BEAD Program is a $42.45 billion federal initiative funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. States and territories use BEAD funds to plan and deploy broadband infrastructure, support workforce training, and expand internet affordability programs.

New Jersey joins 29 states and territories that have gotten approval to move from planning to building. Earlier in 2025, the state’s $40 million Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity program entered the building phase, supporting projects from Brightspeed and Verizon to bring fiber connectivity to Sussex, Warren, and Salem counties.

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