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Alabama Governor Kay Ivey unveiled the “Be Linked Alabama” initiative during an event in Dothan on Tuesday. The initiative aims to expand access to high-speed internet across the state. It now has its own website, which includes an Alabama Broadband Map, county profiles, dashboards, and statewide broadband news.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will coordinate the statewide initiative. ADECA will complete and submit Alabama’s required plan for the use of funds to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Governor Ivey has made connecting every Alabamian to broadband connectivity a priority since the start of her administration.

Over 0 million in federal funding, along with .4 billion from the U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD), will be utilized to support the initiative. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell stated that the funding announced will have a lasting impact on Alabama’s future and help achieve Governor Ivey’s goal of providing all Alabamians with access to high-speed internet.

Since 2018, Alabama has invested .6 million in state dollars through grant awards to expand internet access. Once all ongoing projects are completed, an estimated 82,000 households, businesses, and community institutions will have access to high-speed internet.

Furthermore, Alabama has received significant investments through federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. Governor Ivey announced that grant applications for the 2 million from the Capital Projects Fund will open soon. These grants will support “last-mile” projects that connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions.

Additionally, the new Anchor Institution/Middle Mile (AIMM) program will be funded with 0 million from the second round of American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated during the 2023 Legislative Session. The AIMM program aims to serve 500 anchor facilities in Alabama. The application dates for this program will be announced at a workshop held on August 11.

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