Warren, Sussex among counties to benefit from $40M broadband expansion in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has launched a historic $40 million investment to expand high-speed internet access across the state, including in Warren and Sussex counties, officials announced this week.
The initiative was formally kicked off with a grant award ceremony held Wednesday at Shiloh Baptist Church in Penns Grove, Salem County, marking the start of broadband infrastructure construction under the New Jersey Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Equity (NJBIDE) Pilot Program.
The program’s grants will support critical broadband expansion projects in Atlantic, Burlington, Cumberland, Essex, Salem, Sussex, and Warren counties. In total, the investment is expected to bring reliable, high-speed internet to more than 9,000 locations identified as broadband serviceable across the state.
“We are absolutely thrilled that we are entering the deployment and construction phase of this historic expansion of broadband connectivity for the underserved communities in the state,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “The NJBIDE program is dedicated to securing New Jersey’s future by ensuring that every resident, regardless of their background or where they live, has the digital services necessary to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world.”
Among the recipients are the City of Vineland, the County of Salem, the Borough of Penns Grove, Brightspeed (Connect Holding II LLC), and Verizon New Jersey Inc. Awardees were selected for their demonstrated commitment to bridging the digital divide and delivering internet access to underserved areas.
The grants were made possible through the federal Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and represent the first infrastructure awards issued by the state’s Office of Broadband Connectivity. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has approved New Jersey’s plan to invest $50 million from the CPF in broadband expansion efforts.
“Access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet is an absolute necessity,” said Senator John Burzichelli, Assemblywoman Heather Simmons, and Assemblyman Dave Bailey Jr. in a joint statement. “This historic investment in broadband infrastructure will bridge the digital divide and improve the lives of people in Salem County and beyond.”
Officials emphasized that the program protects First Amendment and cultural considerations, and targets communities most in need, including rural and economically disadvantaged areas. Projects are prioritized based on their commitment to installing fiber-optic infrastructure and providing symmetrical 100/100 Mbps service, along with a low-cost option for residents.
Michael Cerra, executive director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, praised the initiative as “empowering municipalities to meet local challenges with smart, community-driven solutions that promote resilience, equity, and economic vitality.”
The NJBIDE pilot marks a major step in the Murphy administration’s effort to expand digital access and close long-standing connectivity gaps.
