Middle-mile infrastructure serves as the intermediary between the core internet backbone and the “last mile” networks that directly interface with end-users. This segment aggregates substantial data traffic, facilitating efficient transmission between geographically dispersed points. By enhancing middle-mile networks, the cost and complexity of extending high-speed internet to homes and businesses are significantly reduced.
Recognizing the importance of this infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration has allocated substantial funds to its development. In September 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced nearly $50 million in grants to expand middle-mile high-speed internet infrastructure across New Hampshire, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wyoming.
These investments enhance network resilience and lower the costs of connecting underserved areas. Additionally, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law earmarked $1 billion for constructing, improving, or acquiring middle-mile infrastructure. This funding is intended to create a high-speed backbone for communities, businesses, and anchor institutions, facilitating broader internet access.
States are also proactively investing in middle-mile infrastructure. California, for instance, is advancing the nation’s largest open-access middle-mile broadband network, with over 1,600 miles of active installation and construction.
This project is a cornerstone of the state’s strategy to eliminate the digital divide, ensuring that millions of residents gain access to high-speed internet. Investing in middle-mile infrastructure is a strategic move toward achieving universal broadband access. By strengthening this critical segment, the U.S. can ensure that high-speed internet becomes ubiquitous, fostering economic growth and social inclusion across all communities.
