New Data Shows that Funding Secured by Senator Hassan Has Increased Access to High-Speed Internet for Students in New Hampshire

WASHINGTON – More students in New Hampshire now have access to high-speed internet thanks to Senator Hassan’s efforts to help schools provide students with the devices and internet connections that they need to complete their school work from home. Senator Hassan previously led the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in announcing a total of $4.6 million to New Hampshire through the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program, which Senator Hassan and colleagues established and funded in the American Rescue Plan. This additional funding to the state has helped lead to a 24 percent increase in the number of districts in New Hampshire that have met the goal of achieving internet speeds of at least 1 megabit per second (Mbps) per student.

“Too many students are falling behind in school because they don’t have access to high-speed internet at home,” Senator Hassan said. “The funding that I helped secure in the American Rescue Plan is making a tangible difference for Granite Staters and getting high-speed internet into the homes of students who need it the most. When our students have the resources that they need to succeed, our entire economy benefits, which is why I will keep working to expand high-speed internet to every household in the state.”  

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program is based off of bicameral legislation that Senator Hassan previously introduced and provides funding to elementary and secondary schools and libraries to provide laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons in need.

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