Community Wi-Fi Grant Program

Applicants can contact CEN at CENwifigrant@cteducation.net for assistance.

Demonstrating a community is unserved, economically disadvantaged or a community in-need is largely up to the applicant.  There is not a specific definition of what qualifies as underserved, economically disadvantaged or in-need since this can look different in each community.  Proposals are asked to provide a project narrative, supporting data and conclusions drawn that demonstrate why the referenced project area(s) or community was considered underserved, economically disadvantaged or in-need.

Examples of data points that may help demonstrate community needs are listed below:

• Supporting population data that the project area(s) is part of an underserved, typically economically disadvantaged group or community of color
• Anticipated regional impact, including but not limited to whether the project is coordinated with or builds upon other nearby projects and addresses a region of the state with high need but relatively few funded projects
• Supporting data on the socio-economic status of the project area(s)
• Number of disconnected users
• Subscription rates in served areas
• The number of households without access to reliable, high-speed internet service
• Number of students without adequate internet access for remote learning
• Describe the affordability of existing internet service options
• Current availability of public Wi-Fi access points in the project area(s)
• Implement a community engagement strategy and communication
• Target services to communities with the greatest need
• Address language barriers
• Provide digital literacy training
• Are there devices available for public use
• Devices to loan to the public

How to locate and cite valuable substantiating data

Valuable data sources that can be used to help demonstrate a community is unserved, economically disadvantaged or a community in-need, or to help measure project effectiveness and impact are listed below.  Please note, this is not an exhaustive list.

• ACS
• NTIA Indicators of Broadband Need
• Microsoft Digital Equity Maps
• Connecticut’s Digital Equity Program’s Broadband Mapping Tool
• Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Broadband Availability Map: Availability data shows unserved and underserved locations in Connecticut (for purposes of this program, underserved locations include those labeled unserved) based on OPM data collection process, which started in March of 2022, with the cooperation of internet service providers in the state.
• Survey Data: Involve direct input from end-users regarding their broadband service's speeds, technologies, and other performance features. CEN encourages applicants to provide survey-based data, especially if the maps may potentially label an area as “served” when, in fact, part of the project area is underserved.
• Speed Test Data: Speed test data is helpful to support other data sets. Speeds are influenced by several factors, some of which do not reflect the available network type and capacity (e.g., subscribed level of service).
• Distressed Municipalities: Updated annually, the distressed municipalities' lists identify the state’s most fiscally and economically distressed municipalities and are used by state agencies to target funds for needs which may include housing, insurance, open space, brownfield remediation, and economic development programs, among others.
• Content Filtering Capabilities
• Security Requirements – Secure Wi-Fi vs Guest

How to locate and cite subscription rates for a project area via the Connecticut Digital Equity’s online broadband mapping tool

Applicants can visit the Connecticut Digital Equity’s online broadband mapping tool website at https://broadbandmaps.ct.gov/ and use the interactive map to explore subscription rates by entering a specific address or area. 

The map allows users to view data on broadband availability, technology types, and subscription rates across different regions. This can help applicants identify gaps in broadband adoption.  This data can be utilized to support applicant proposals by highlighting areas with lower subscription rates, thereby illustrating a strong need for improved broadband access in the community.

Yes. These grant funds are bound to the State of CT and can be used in rural and urban settings, so long as the application demonstrates how it will meet the needs of an underserved community.

When completing the online application via CEN’s online portal, ensure that the portion of the total funding amount allocated for a build-back to a facility is clearly designated. This should be done when drafting a response to the question, “Provide a brief summary of the project,” in the Project Overview section. Additionally, make sure that these funds are included in the “Total Funding Amount Requested” response in the Project Budget section of the application.

Though documentation is not required to be submitted with the Reimbursement Request Form (Appendix J), sub-recipients should retain these records in case of audits.