Closing the Broadband Availability Gap and Support the Development of a Five-Year Action Plan

Description

Purpose: The Purpose of This Grant Is to Support Closing the Broadband Availability Gap and Support the Development of a Five-Year Action Plan.the Proposed Project Includes the Following Planning and Pre-Deployment Activities: Providing Technical Assistance to Potential Subgrantees, Including Through Workshops and Events; Establishing, Operating, or Increasing Capacity of a Broadband Office That Oversees Broadband Programs and Broadband Deployment in an Eligible Entity; and Costs Associated with Meeting the Local Coordination Requirements in Section IV.C.1.C of This Nofo Including Capacity Building at the Local and Regional Levels or Contracted Support. Expected Outcomes: The Expected Outcomes of Virginia's "Commonwealth Connect Plan" Include the Creation of a Comprehensive Five-Year Action Plan Identifying Virginia's Broadband Access, Affordability, Opportunity, and Adoption Needs That Also Serves as a Benchmark for Adopting Strategies, Goals, and Initial Measures for Connecting All Virginia Residents with Affordable, Reliable, and High-Speed Broadband Service. The Plan Also Results in the Establishment of the Virginia Digital Opportunity Initiative Planning Grant Program, Which Will Serve to Develop Plans and Build Capacity to Address Digital Opportunity at the Local and Regional Levels Beyond the 270-DAY Development Period of the Commonwealth Connect Plan. The Bead Program Will Support Virginia's Pursuit of Closing the Digital Divides of Access to Affordable, Reliable, High-Speed Broadband, as Well as Digital Opportunity Through Broadband Affordability and Adoption. Intended Beneficiaries: The Intended Beneficiaries Are Unserved and Underserved Groups in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a Focus on Rural and Unserved Populations.subrecipient Activities: The Recipient Does Intend to Subaward Funds to 128 Local Government Units.