New Jersey State Broadband Office

New Jersey doesn't have a dedicated broadband funding program.

Governor Phil Murphy approved a state law in the summer of 2021 that established the Broadband Study Commission. But appointments to the panel had yet to be appointed. A query from Broadband.money in late February to the governor's office was not returned. 

The law, AB 850, defines broadband as 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload and directs the Commission to consider both fiber optic and unused broadcast television signal space.

Data from the Federal Communications Commission shows that broadband is available to almost everyone in New Jersey. However, much lower percentages of households actually subscribe to it. A July 2021 USA Today story reports that: “In about half of New Jersey's counties - 11 of 21 - measured by a FCC study, broadband access is available to at least 99% of residents. Yet in about half of the state measured by Microsoft - 11 of 21 counties - no more than 68% of households actually have high-speed access.” 

The story found that the gaps reflected the economic backgrounds of the counties. “The chasm varies depending on state and county. Among New Jersey's wealthiest counties: 68% of Hunterdon County has access, 99% of Somerset County has access and 86% of Morris County has access,” according to the story. “Among the least-wealthiest counties, access rates are 52% in Cumberland County, 63% in Essex County and 62% in Atlantic County.”