News Summary
Washington, D.C. has announced a $100.7 million plan to improve Internet access in underserved areas using fixed wireless technology. This initiative targets community anchor institutions like schools and healthcare facilities, aiming to enhance connectivity and support underserved populations. The proposal is open for public comment until October 2025, and the plan includes measures for broadband adoption and digital literacy. This significant step is part of a broader effort to ensure equitable Internet access across the city.
Washington, D.C. has finalized a significant plan to close Internet access gaps within the city, utilizing a $100.7 million allocation from the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The initiative aims to provide high-speed Internet services using fixed wireless technology to nearly 60 community anchor institutions, which include schools and healthcare facilities.
The Office of the Chief Technology Officer in D.C. indicated that this initiative will transform key community resources into high-speed Internet hubs, enhancing access to vital services for residents. The final BEAD proposal is currently open for public comment until October 23, 2025, allowing community members to provide input on the plan.
D.C. joins 49 other states and three U.S. territories that have submitted broadband deployment plans to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval. The decision to utilize fixed wireless access (FWA) technology is intended to be scalable, meaning it will adapt to future bandwidth demands and support advanced technologies such as 5G.
According to the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, the initial analysis identified just 109 unserved or underserved broadband locations in Washington, making it one of the states with the fewest such locations. The remaining unserved sites are primarily located in Wards 3, 5, and 8, covering a range of neighborhoods that stretch from areas west of Rock Creek Park to communities east of the Anacostia River.
The targeted community anchor institutions for this broadband initiative include approximately 10 healthcare facilities, 25 early childhood and education centers, six senior and long-term care providers, five mental health treatment facilities, and several charter and independent schools. This comprehensive approach aims to support underserved populations and bolster educational and healthcare systems within the city.
The implementation of the wireless broadband plan will be overseen by the Constituent Services Worldwide Public Benefit Corporation. Although the specific breakdown of the $100.7 million allocation for infrastructure has not been disclosed, officials have indicated that any remaining funds will be directed towards broadband adoption, workforce development, and digital literacy programs. This multifaceted approach aims not only to improve access but also to ensure community members can effectively use the technology.
D.C. officials have emphasized their commitment to connecting all remaining unserved locations. Following a restructuring notice from the NTIA in June 2025, D.C. refined its list of eligible locations, removing three institutions that did not meet the federal definitions for service areas. In the process, the Office had already excluded several categories of sites from consideration, including mobile units, major universities, served locations, permanently closed locations, and sites linked to the DC-Net fiber network.
As of October 17, 2025, three U.S. territories, which include American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam, have submitted final proposals for federal approval of their broadband plans. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have yet to submit their proposals. D.C.’s plan to enhance broadband access is an important step toward bridging the digital divide, enabling residents to access essential services and opportunities in a fast-evolving digital world.
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Additional Resources
- Broadband Breakfast: D.C. Finalizes Broadband Plan
- Wikipedia: Broadband Access in the United States
- Washington State Standard: Broadband Program Disarray
- Google Search: Broadband Funding
- Telecompetitor: Island Cellular Wins Broadband Funding
- Google Scholar: Broadband Technology
- BBC Mag: Astound Expands Wi-Fi Network
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadband
- CNET: Best Internet Providers in Washington
- Google News: Broadband Washington DC
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
