To address significant gaps in Internet access in rural, low-income, and underserved communities in Connecticut, the state has launched initiatives like the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program, investing millions in expanding broadband infrastructure.
The ConneCTed Communities Grant Program aims to connect thousands of residents and businesses, offering opportunities for economic growth, educational advancement, and improved healthcare.
From 2022 to 2024, state efforts have expanded broadband internet access to 92.2% of households in Connecticut, up from 86.7%. That’s thousands of households with better connectivity and stronger service.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recently announced the second round of awards in the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program. $9.9 million will be used by Internet service providers to build out broadband infrastructure, which will serve an estimated 3,802 residences and businesses in 44 towns and cities.
The grant awards build on $24 million in grants benefitting 88 cities and towns announced last year in round 1 of this program. To date, the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program has announced a total of $34 million in awards to support expansions in 5,582 locations, 116 cities and towns, and 30 distressed municipalities.
According to a recent press release, Gov. Ned Lamont said this milestone will work to increase access to high-speed broadband for all Connecticut residents.
“Fast, affordable internet connectivity is essential to the success and wellbeing of our residents,” Lamont said. “Being able to go online and access the internet is tied to nearly every aspect of daily life from paying bills to finding employment and housing and even accessing healthcare.”
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said research shows that 92% of jobs require digital skills and 60% of adults get health information online.
“This effort is critical. It’s about increasing access to vital elements of daily life, and helping to improve health, safety, affordability, and prosperity for the people of Connecticut,” Dykes said.
DEEP is also administering the $144 million Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is in the deployment phase now, and will bring broadband to unserved and underserved locations and community anchor institutions. DEEP has approximately $6.7 million remaining in funding available through the ConneCTed Communities Program.
Efforts to address price and non-price barriers to adoption have helped contribute to a rise in overall internet subscriptions, now covering 92.2% of households.
Broadband access allows businesses to operate more efficiently leading to better productivity and economic growth. Areas with reliable broadband infrastructure are more attractive to businesses, particularly in sectors like technology, e-commerce, and telecommuting creating potential for job creation and new opportunities. And small businesses rely on broadband for marketing, customer service, and managing operations. A lack of reliable broadband can limit their ability to scale and compete, hindering local economies.
To view a map of the locations awarded this grant, click here.
