Advances in economic opportunity, energy efficiency, telecommuting, education, and telehealth rely on broadband infrastructure. We work with broadband providers, local, state, and federal policymakers, consumers, community institutions, and other stakeholders to support broadband deployment throughout the state, improve efficiencies and expand statewide access and usage (Utah Code 63N-17).
Since 2010, our office has collaborated with the Utah Geospatial Resource Center to develop and maintain up-to-date and accurate statewide maps of available broadband and statewide economic opportunity resources.
The state endorses a broadband plan to increase deployment, bandwidth, adoption, digital inclusion, and literacy across the state to businesses, educational anchor institutions, libraries, healthcare centers, tribes, and other entities. Broadband is crucial to local and global economies and our connection to the world.
Utah’s Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Access programs are federally funded grants for high-speed internet access and adoption, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Digital Equity Act. Utah received a $317.4 million allocation to build infrastructure where needed and to increase adoption. The Digital Equity Capacity Grant allocation will be determined in the spring of 2024.
BEAD prioritizes unserved locations with no internet access or access to internet speeds under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations with access to internet speeds under 100/20 Mbps. The Digital Access program examines other barriers relating to affordability, digital skills fluency, device distribution, and more.
Utah has developed a five-year action plan that outlines the strategic priorities for statewide broadband deployment and adoption and important collaboration between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders.
Visit the following links for more information.
The Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission was created legislatively during the 2022 General Session (Utah Code §29-36-109). The Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the Center regarding the state’s broadband digital connectivity plan development and the application for and use of broadband infrastructure funds. The funding sources can include:
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 115-58
- Legislative appropriations
- State and federal grants
The Commission solicits input from relevant stakeholders, including public and private entities, who may assist in developing and implementing the strategic plan. It also provides recommendations and changes based on a review of strategic plan drafts.
Created in 2011, the Utah Broadband Alliance coordinates the collaborative statewide effort on broadband adoption and deployment efforts. Members of the council represent a diverse group of interests, including legislators, economic opportunity, state and local government, healthcare, education, libraries, public safety, and tribal entities.
The Utah Broadband Alliance hosts quarterly in-person meetings and virtual monthly calls.
Utah Broadband Alliance Meeting
May 14, 2024
Office Hours for Nonprofits, Local, and Tribal Governments
Weekly on Thursdays from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. from April 25 – May 23, 2024.
Office Hours for Internet Service Providers
Weekly on Fridays from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. from April 26- June 28, 2024.
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Website
Email: auditorhotline@utah.gov
Phone: 801-538-9777
Website
Email: eebergstedt@utah.gov
Phone: 801-538-3295