The territory is set to receive $27 million from a new federal initiative, which, despite some limitations, promises to significantly advance the territory’s efforts in digital equity and internet expansion.
This funding comes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which laid bare the stark digital divide across the nation, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as many families struggled to stay connected due to a lack of affordable internet, devices, and the skills necessary to navigate the online world. The Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, sought to address these disparities by providing billions in federal dollars to enhance internet access and affordability, according to a recent news release announcing the grant award.
Jaughna Nielsen-Bobbit, director of Digital Equity and Inclusion for the territory and housed under Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN), explained to the Source this week that while the funding is a crucial step forward, there are some hurdles to overcome. Due to a federal duplication of benefits rule linked to a previous grant awarded to Liberty VI, a private entity, the territory is restricted from using the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds to lay new fiber infrastructure until 2030, when Liberty’s grant period ends. This limitation complicates efforts to expand internet access in underserved areas like Water Island, Coral Bay, and the Northside of St. Thomas by relying on one private entity to construct crucial infrastructure typically under the authority of local government.
“[Because of this duplication rule] the territory is depending on Liberty VI to build out a private, fiber network to our most isolated communities. This is in stark contrast to other states and territories who are using their BEAD funding to do this, which would help to bring internet costs down for all consumers by creating competition among Internet Service Providers in a particular area,” Nielsen-Bobbit noted.
Despite this setback, Nielsen-Bobbit emphasized that the $27 million can still be a game-changer for the territory. While the funds can’t be used for middle-mile infrastructure, they can address a wide range of digital equity gaps. The money can be invested in community programs, computer centers, and educational initiatives that will help residents gain the skills and access they need to thrive in a digital world. Partnerships with local entities, such as libraries, the Governor’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Office, and the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership & Learning (UVI CELL), are already being explored to maximize the impact of these funds.
“If used correctly, this funding can be directly reinvested into the community,” she said. “It’s a substantial amount when you consider the combined resources from both the BEAD and Digital Equity grants, and it can really make a difference in bridging the digital divide.”
Looking ahead, viNGN is focused on securing the first set of Digital Equity funds and rolling out community-based projects in 2025. The Virgin Islands Broadband Office (VIBO) has already secured the $27M in BEAD funding. Nielsen-Bobbit encouraged non-profits, for-profits, and government entities to get involved by contacting the BEAD and Digital Equity teams as the territory begins the process of distributing these funds through subgrants.
The territory has recently finalized its USVI Digital Equity Plan, which will guide how these funds are allocated to ensure they address the most critical needs.
For more information or to get involved, interested parties can reach out to the BEAD team at bead@omb.vi.gov or the Digital Equity team at info@usvideal.com.
