Utah Broadband Center
The Utah Broadband Center (UBC) aims to ensure all Utahns can access reliable, affordable high-speed internet service. Providing high-speed internet to every home and business catapults the state's trajectory as the fastest-growing and best economy in the nation and globally.
The Connecting Utah Initiative, initiated by UBC, collaborates with key partners to close Utah’s “digital divide,” or the gap between those who can and cannot access broadband internet, including the digital skills to use it.
What We Do
- Facilitate the Utah Broadband Alliance, whose participants include public and private stakeholders working to bring high-quality broadband to Utahns
- Convene the Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission, which recommends UBC’s use of federal funds
- Administer the state's federally funded Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Opportunity Act (DOA) programs and maintain the statewide residential and commercial broadband availability maps
- Administer the state’s Broadband Access Grant (BAG) program
- Implement the statewide Digital Connectivity Plan, which was developed in collaboration with the Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission, tribal and community leaders, internet service providers (ISPs), nonprofits, and other stakeholders
Partner with broadband providers, Utah Digital Opportunity Network (UDON), local, state, and federal policymakers, consumers, community institutions, and other stakeholders.
“Best Use of Data Award”
The Utah Broadband Center received the “Best Use of Data” at the 2024 Utah IT Excellence Awards ceremony for its “Connecting Utah” initiative. The award recognized UBC’s innovative approach to using technology to implement broadband access and connectivity in the state.
Together, we can bridge the digital divide. Get involved today at [email protected].
Utah’s Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Access programs are federally funded grants for high-speed internet access and adoption, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Digital Equity Act. Utah received a $317.4 million allocation to build infrastructure where needed and to increase adoption. The Digital Equity Capacity Grant allocation will be determined in the spring of 2024.
BEAD prioritizes unserved locations with no internet access or access to internet speeds under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations with access to internet speeds under 100/20 Mbps. The Digital Access program examines other barriers relating to affordability, digital skills fluency, device distribution, and more.
Utah has developed a five-year action plan that outlines the strategic priorities for statewide broadband deployment and adoption and important collaboration between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders.
Visit the following links for more information.
The Utah Broadband Center Advisory Commission was created during the 2022 General Legislative Session (Utah Code §29-36-109). The Commission is tasked with making recommendations to the Center regarding the state’s broadband digital connectivity plan development and the application for and use of broadband infrastructure funds. The funding sources can include:
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 115-58
- Legislative appropriations
- State and federal grants
The Commission solicits input from relevant stakeholders, including public and private entities, who may assist in developing and implementing the strategic plan. It also provides recommendations and changes based on a review of strategic plan drafts.
Created in 2011, the Utah Broadband Alliance coordinates the collaborative statewide effort on broadband adoption and deployment efforts. Members of the council represent a diverse group of interests, including legislators, economic opportunity, state and local government, healthcare, education, libraries, public safety, and tribal entities.
The Utah Broadband Alliance hosts quarterly in-person meetings and virtual monthly calls.
Utah Broadband Alliance Meeting
Feb. 12, 2025
Connecting Utah Virtual Call
March 19, 2024
The Utah Broadband Center partners with the Utah Digital Opportunity Network (UDON). UDON is a vibrant coalition of community members, digital inclusion advocates, practitioners, librarians, nonprofits, social service agencies, local government officials, and others dedicated to advancing digital accessibility in Utah. Its mission is to bridge the digital divide by ensuring all Utahns can access the digital tools, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in today's connected world.
The UDON website provides a comprehensive resource for digital inclusion services across Utah tailored to help individuals overcome various barriers to internet connectivity and digital opportunities. Whether you need access to affordable internet, computer literacy training, devices, or support services, its directory connects you to the right resources and programs designed to meet your needs.
To learn more, visit the UDON website at Utah Digital Equity, explore the directory, and discover how UDON can help you or your community enhance digital access and inclusion.
Does your community organization provide digital access resources for community members? Digital access resources include, but are not limited to, services that assist with:
- Broadband access and affordability.
- Device adoption.
- Digital skills and technical support.
- Public device and internet access.
- Digital inclusion funding.
If so, join us in mapping Utah’s digital access resources.
We created a community resource guide that provides information on known digital access resources throughout Utah. The resource information you provide will be added to the Utah Digital Directory and interactive map.
Website
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 801-538-9777
Website
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 801-538-3295
Utah Broadband Center and All West Communications Celebrate Completion of Broadband Internet Project in Croydon
Podcast: Ben Elkins — Meeting Rising Demand for Internet Accessibility With Utah Broadband
Utah Digital Access Plan Approved and Digital Equity Capacity Grant Announcement
