The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, approved three proposals for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, a part of President Biden’s ‘Internet for All’ initiative.

The approval allows Washington, Delaware and the District of Columbia to request funding access and implement the BEAD program. Washington can now request access to over $1.2 billion in its BEAD allocations.

The $42.45 billion BEAD program aims to deploy or upgrade high-speed internet networks to ensure that everyone can access reliable and affordable internet.

“The BEAD Program has played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and helping us meet our goal to bring Internet access to every person across Washington state,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Digital connectivity allows communities to tap into job, health care and education opportunities. I am grateful to the NTIA for approving Washington’s initial proposal and I look forward to the Washington State Broadband Office’s continued success in submitting proposals ensuring more Washingtonians and Tribal nations receive Internet access.”

The two states and the District of Columbia now join Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada and West Virginia as the only approved states.

The Internet for All initiative comes from a $65 billion investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand internet access across the country.