Congresswoman Lee Announces $9 Million for High-Speed Internet Access Investments

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) announced that the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded more than $9 million to the Governor's Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT) to expand high-speed internet access across Nevada, and especially in rural and underserved communities. Investments were secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which Congresswoman Lee helped negotiate and pass.  

Last year, more than 50,000 Nevada homes and small businesses lacked access to high-speed internet. Access is particularly challenging for rural Nevadans — in recent years, as much as one third of rural residents did not have access to standard-level broadband service. And for rural Nevadans who are able to get online, half do not have adequate service for their needs. 

“Access to the internet means access to jobs, health care, and education opportunities,” said Congresswoman Lee. “I helped negotiate and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand internet access in rural and underserved communities, and today’s award does just that. I look forward to continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to bridge the digital divide here in Nevada and across the country.” 

Awarded through NTIA’s Capacity Grant Program, this $$9,200,545.75 award will support the implementation of OSIT’s Statewide Digital Equity Plan. The investment will help improve access to devices and technical support, provide more opportunities for Nevadans to attain digital skills, and create a data-driven understanding of how to close the digital divide. 

As the most bipartisan Member of Congress, Congresswoman Lee is working with Republicans and Democrats to deliver federal broadband investments to Nevada. Last summer, Congresswoman Lee introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure that states like Nevada receive their fair share of federal broadband funding, which includes $416 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

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