Agenda - Council - 09/13/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Building or constructing new broadband networks is an infrastructure investment and is governed by a separate clause in the statute. Treasury has addressed comments on "gap networks" that require infrastructure build -out in the section Broadband Infrastructure in Infrastructure. Public Comment: Some commenters also use the term "gap networks" to refer to equipment installed as part of wi-fi systems, such as routers, repeaters, and access points; this equipment provides consumer access to an existing broadband network and does not require new network build -out or construction. These commenters recommended that Treasury permit, as assistance to households for internet access, investments in public wi-fi networks, free wi-fi in public housing communities, and other equipment that offers internet access to end users by utilizing existing broadband networks. Other commenters recommended that eligible uses in this category include providing devices and equipment necessary to access the internet, like computers and routers, directly to low-income households. Treasury Response: Treasury has determined that these services, which expand internet access without constructing new networks, are an appropriate enumerated eligible use as assistance to households to respond to a negative economic impact, and they are permitted under the final rule. Treasury is clarifying that eligible uses under this category can also include a wide range of programs and services to expand internet access and digital literacy, such as subsidies for the cost of internet service, other programs that support adoption of internet service where available, digital literacy programs, or programs that provide devices and equipment to access the internet (e.g., programs that provide equipment like tablets, computers, or routers) to households. Recipients seeking to use funds for equipment should refer to the section Capital 89