In a significant step toward closing the digital divide, Vermont has been awarded over $5 million in federal funding to deploy critical broadband infrastructure. The funding, announced earlier this week, is part of a broader effort to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and rural areas across the state. The grant will be used to expand Vermont’s broadband network, focusing on regions with the greatest need. State officials have identified key areas where connectivity gaps persist, and this funding will help address those challenges by supporting the construction of middle- and last-mile infrastructure.
Vermont’s rural landscape has long posed challenges for broadband deployment, with many areas lacking reliable access to high-speed internet. The funding aims to remedy this by prioritizing underserved communities where limited connectivity has hindered economic growth, education, and healthcare access.
“In rural Vermont some of our towns have been left behind with slow internet service and not being able to participate in our modern way of life and the grant from the NTIA will help to fix that situation,” Richards said. “These funds will help all Vermonters by providing essential internet access for education, employment, health care, economic opportunity, and social connections. Just navigating our technology driven society.”
The funding is part of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to expanding broadband access nationwide through initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These programs aim to ensure all Americans, regardless of geography, have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet. The deployment of broadband in rural communities in Vermont will have far-reaching implications. Residents will benefit from improved access to telemedicine, online education, and remote work opportunities. Businesses in these regions will gain access to new markets, enhancing local economic growth.
Vermont’s award aligns with its goal of achieving universal broadband coverage by the end of the decade. The state has been actively working with local providers, cooperatives, and community organizations to expand its network. The funding will support the construction of both middle-mile and last-mile broadband infrastructure. Middle-mile networks are the backbone of internet connectivity, while last-mile networks deliver internet directly to homes and businesses. “This funding is a vital piece of the puzzle,” said the spokesperson. “It allows us to move closer to our goal of ensuring every Vermonter has access to the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.”
The announcement comes as states across the U.S. ramp up efforts to expand broadband access using federal funding. Rural communities nationwide have historically been left behind due to the high costs of deploying infrastructure in sparsely populated areas. Federal programs like BEAD are designed to address this disparity, providing states with the resources needed to build and sustain networks. Vermont’s award of $5 million highlights the importance of federal-state collaboration in tackling the digital divide. The funding supports infrastructure projects and emphasizes the need for digital literacy programs and efforts to ensure affordability for low-income households.
While the $5 million grant is a significant step, Vermont’s broadband expansion will require continued investment and collaboration. State officials have called on local stakeholders and private-sector partners to play an active role in achieving universal connectivity. As the funding is put to use, Vermonters in rural and underserved areas can look forward to a future where high-speed internet is no longer a privilege but a necessity available to all.
