The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has initiated the deployment phase of its $40 million Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity (NJBIDE) Pilot Program. The investment aims to deliver high-speed internet access to over 9,000 broadband serviceable locations across seven counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Cumberland, Essex, Salem, Sussex, and Warren.
Funded through the federal Capital Projects Fund, the NJBIDE program marks the first infrastructure grant awarded by the state’s Office of Broadband Connectivity. The program prioritizes underserved and rural communities, with a focus on fiber-optic infrastructure capable of delivering symmetrical 100/100 Mbps speeds and at least one low-cost service option per project.
Grants were awarded to a mix of public and private entities, including:
- City of Vineland
- County of Salem
- Borough of Penns Grove
- Brightspeed (Connect Holding II LLC)
- Verizon New Jersey Inc.
The deployment officially launched with a ceremony in Penns Grove, where officials highlighted the program’s impact on digital equity and regional economic opportunity. Local leaders estimate the initiative will significantly improve education, healthcare access, and workforce connectivity in historically underserved areas.
The NJBIDE Pilot Program is part of New Jersey’s broader strategy to invest $50 million from the Capital Projects Fund to expand broadband infrastructure statewide.