Freedom Technologies NTIA Watch

NTIA has announced that it will accept grant applications for additional funding of mapping and innovative broadband efforts.    States and existing mapping awardees have until July 1st to submit amended or supplemental applications for funding.   The full press release is below.

NTIA TO ACCEPT UPDATED GRANT APPLICATIONS FROM STATES FOR BROADBAND IMPROVEMENT AND MAPPING ACTIVITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670

May 28, 2010                                                                                                              press@ntia.doc.gov

Awardees in NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Program Have Opportunity to Expand Efforts to Increase Broadband Access and Adoption

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that state governments and other existing awardees in its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program may seek funding for various initiatives to help their communities compete in the digital economy and for up to three additional years of broadband mapping work.

“As Congress recognized, many communities are being left behind in the 21st Century economy and need improved broadband access and adoption to compete,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “Given the growing economic importance of broadband services, better data and strategic planning are needed on the state level. This will help us increase broadband availability and use across the country, which is critical to our global competiveness.”

Launched in 2009, NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). One of the primary purposes of the grant program is to assist states in gathering data on the availability, speed, and location of broadband services. The data they compile and display will also be used to create the comprehensive, interactive national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to produce and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.  The map, which NTIA plans to update every six months, will assist consumers with better information on the broadband services available to them and inform policymakers’ efforts to increase broadband availability nationwide.

To be fiscally prudent, NTIA originally funded state data collection efforts for a two-year period, allowing the agency to assess initial state activities before awarding funding for the remainder of this five-year initiative. With the program well underway, states (or their designees) can now apply for funding under the existing program rules for three additional years of mapping and data collection work.

Of significance, states may also seek funding for other activities that support BDIA’s goals, including state broadband task forces or advisory boards, technical assistance programs, local or regional technology planning efforts, and programs to promote increased computer ownership and Internet usage.

“Congress gave NTIA the resources to support broadband improvement efforts in the states. We are committed to investing these resources prudently and effectively,” Strickling said. “Now that NTIA has seen initial state data collection efforts, we are prepared to accept and evaluate proposals for additional funding.”

The Recovery Act provided up to $350 million for implementation of the BDIA and to develop and maintain a broadband inventory map. All 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia (or their designated entities) are eligible for funding through NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to support these goals. NTIA has thus far awarded more than $100 million in grants to 54 of the 56 eligible entities to carry out the first two years of broadband data collection and mapping efforts, and for broadband planning activities. NTIA is directly informing the eligible entities that they may submit amended and supplemental applications until July 1, 2010 for additional broadband improvement and mapping activities.

NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

NTIA made an $1.1 million award to American Samoa and a $2.3 million to Virginia for broadband mapping activities. The full press release is below.

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT’S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN VIRGINIA AND AMERICAN SAMOA

Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services

For Immediate Release: March 5, 2010
Contact:  Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Virginia and American Samoa under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. NTIA has now awarded 54 grants totaling approximately $102 million under the program, including today’s announcement.

“Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “We have now awarded all but two of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens.”

American Samoa: NTIA has awarded the American Samoa Office of the Governor approximately $558,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in American Samoa, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.1 million. The Office of the Governor is the designated entity for the territory of American Samoa.

Virginia: NTIA has awarded the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology $1,799,979 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Virginia, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.3 million. The Virginia Center for Innovative Technology is the designated entity for the state of Virginia.

NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. CNMI and Guam are providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by its designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.

Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis in the next two years, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

All awardees, except the Territorial governments in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

NTIA awarded broadband mapping grants to Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas under its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program.  Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said that the agency has “ now awarded all but five of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens.”

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT’S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN 10 STATES

Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services

For Immediate Release: January 12, 2010
Contact:  Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Texas under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. NTIA has now awarded 51 grants totaling approximately $97 million under the program, including today’s announcement, and the agency expects to finish announcing awards under this program in early 2010.

“Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “We have now awarded all but five of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens.”

Connecticut: NTIA has awarded the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Connecticut, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Department of Public Utility Control is the designated entity for the state of Connecticut.

Hawaii: NTIA has awarded Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Hawaii, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is the designated entity for the state of Hawaii.

Kentucky: NTIA has awarded the Commonwealth Office of Technology approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Kentucky, bringing the total grant award to nearly $2.1 million. The Office of Technology is the designated entity for the state of Kentucky.

Maine: NTIA has awarded the ConnectME Authority approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $440,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Maine, bringing the total grant award to nearly $1.8 million. The ConnectME Authority is the designated entity for the state of Maine.

Mississippi: NTIA has awarded the Mississippi Office of the Governor approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Mississippi, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million.  The Office of the Governor is the designated entity for the state of Mississippi.

Nebraska: NTIA has awarded the Nebraska Public Service Commission approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Nebraska, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. The Public Service Commission is the designated entity for the state of Nebraska.

New Mexico: NTIA has awarded the New Mexico Department of Information Technology approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in New Mexico, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The Department of Information Technology is the designated entity for the state of New Mexico.

Oklahoma: NTIA has awarded the Oklahoma Office of State Finance approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Oklahoma, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. The Office of State Finance is the designated entity for the state of Oklahoma.

Pennsylvania: NTIA has awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Pennsylvania, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. The Department of Community and Economic Development is the designated entity for the state of Pennsylvania.

Texas: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $2.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Texas, bringing the total grant award to approximately $3 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Texas.

NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. The State of Texas is providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by its designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.

Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

All awardees, except the Territorial governments in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

NTIA awarded broadband mapping grants to Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, and the U.S. Virgin Islands under its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program.  Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said that the agency has “now awarded the majority of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens.”

Press Release: COMMERCE DEPARTMENT’S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN IOWA, MONTANA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, UTAH, AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services

For Immediate Release: December 31, 2009
Contact:  Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah, and the U.S. Virgin Islands under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. NTIA has now awarded 41 grants totaling approximately $78 million under the program, including today’s announcement, and the agency expects to finish announcing awards under this program in early 2010.

“Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “We have now awarded the majority of the grants in the program and will continue to work with the remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens.”

Iowa: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Iowa, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Iowa.

Montana: NTIA has awarded the Montana Department of Commerce nearly $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Montana, bringing the total grant award to more than $2 million. The Montana Department of Commerce is the designated entity for the state of Montana.

New Hampshire: NTIA has awarded the University of New Hampshire (UNH) approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in New Hampshire, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. UNH is the designated entity for the state of New Hampshire.

Utah: NTIA has awarded the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a four-year period in Utah, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million. The Utah PSC is the designated entity for the state of Utah.

U.S. Virgin Islands: NTIA has awarded the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority – Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) approximately $830,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $460,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in the U.S. Virgin Islands, bringing the total grant award to nearly $1.3 million. The OEO is the designated entity for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. The State of Iowa is providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by its designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.

Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

All awardees, except the Territorial governments in Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov .

Links:

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BBMapping_IAMTNHUTVI_091231.html

NTIA awarded broadband mapping grants to Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee under its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program.  Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said that the agency has ” now awarded more than half the grants and will continue to work with remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens.”

Press Release: Commerce Department’s NTIA Awards 15 Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning

Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services

For Immediate Release: December 22, 2009
Contact:  Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded 15 grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. Twenty-one grants have previously been announced under this program and the agency expects to continue announcing awards over the coming weeks.

“Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning. Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “We’ve now awarded more than half the grants and will continue to work with remaining applicants so they can bring the benefits of broadband to more of their citizens.”

Arizona: NTIA has awarded the Arizona Government Information Technology Agency (GITA) approximately$1.8 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a three-year period in Arizona, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.3 million. GITA is the designated entity for the state of Arizona.

Florida: NTIA has awarded the Florida Department of Management Services approximately $2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Florida, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.5 million. The Florida Department of Management Services is the designated entity for the state of Florida.

Georgia: NTIA has awarded the Georgia Technology Authority approximately $1.7 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and nearly $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Georgia, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.2 million. The Georgia Technology Authority is the designated entity for the state of Georgia.

Illinois: NTIA has awarded the Partnership for a Connected Illinois approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Illinois, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Partnership for a Connected Illinois is the designated entity for the state of Illinois.

Michigan: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Michigan, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Michigan.

Minnesota: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Minnesota, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Minnesota.

Nevada: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $930,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Nevada, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.4 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of Nevada.

North Dakota: NTIA has awarded the North Dakota Information Technology Department (ITD) approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $300,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in North Dakota, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.6 million. ITD is the designated entity for the state of North Dakota.

Ohio: NTIA has awarded the Ohio Office of Information Technology approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Ohio, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. The Ohio Office of Information Technology is the designated entity for the state of Ohio.

Oregon: NTIA has awarded the Oregon Public Utilities Commission approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Oregon, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. The Oregon Public Utilities Commission is the designated entity for the state of Oregon.

Puerto Rico: NTIA has awarded the Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer approximately $925,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Puerto Rico, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.4 million. The Puerto Rico Office of the Chief Information Officer is the designated entity for the territory of Puerto Rico.

Rhode Island: NTIA has awarded the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) approximately $1 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Rhode Island, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.5 million. RIEDC is the designated entity for the state of Rhode Island.

South Carolina: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in South Carolina, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.7 million. Connected Nation is the designated entity for the state of South Carolina.

South Dakota: NTIA has awarded the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in South Dakota, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications is the designated entity for the state of South Dakota.

Tennessee: NTIA has awarded Connected Tennessee approximately $1.3 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Tennessee, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.8 million. Connected Tennessee is the designated entity for the state of Tennessee.

NTIA carefully evaluates each application to determine whether the applicant directly represents the interests of the state. This state-applicant connection is especially critical in the context of the broadband planning activities that NTIA considers the responsibility of the state. The States of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, South Carolina and Tennessee are providing direction and supervision to the planning activities that will be undertaken by their designated entity, which is a non-state government entity, to ensure that planning funds are used to address the specific needs of the state.

Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Link: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/bbmapping_15states_091222.html

NTIA announced the award of broadband mapping grants to six states, Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri,  under the NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program.   The full press release is below.

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT’S NTIA AWARDS GRANTS FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN ALASKA, COLORADO, DELAWARE, KANSAS, LOUISIANA AND MISSOURI

Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services

November 30, 2009

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. Fifteen grants have already been announced under this program, and the agency will continue to announce awards over the coming weeks.

“This program will advance efforts to expand broadband access and adoption nationwide, which is vital to job creation and economic recovery,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “NTIA will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects, so that all states and territories can soon participate in this initiative.”

Alaska: NTIA has awarded the Denali Commission approximately $1.4 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Alaska, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.9 million. The Denali Commission, an independent federal agency, is the designated entity for the state of Alaska.

Colorado: NTIA has awarded the Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period in Colorado, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.1 million. OIT is the designated entity for the state of Colorado.

Delaware: NTIA has awarded the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) approximately $1.1 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $470,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Delaware, bringing the total grant award to approximately $1.5 million. DTI is the designated entity for the state of Delaware.

Kansas: NTIA has awarded Connected Nation approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a three-year period in Kansas, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2 million. Connected Nation, a non-profit organization, is the designated entity for the state of Kansas, however the state of Kansas will direct and implement all planning activities.

Louisiana: NTIA has awarded the Louisiana Division of Administration, Office of Information Technology (OIT) approximately $1.2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Louisiana, bringing the total grant award to almost $1.7 million. OIT is the designated entity for the state of Louisiana.

Missouri: NTIA has awarded the Missouri Office of Administration (MOA) approximately $1.5 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and approximately $470,000 for broadband planning activities over a two-year period in Missouri, bringing the total grant award to almost $2 million. MOA is the designated entity for the state of Missouri.

Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Links:

http://techdailydose.nationaljournal.com/2009/11/broadband-mapping-grants-annou.php

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BBMappinggrants_AKCODEKSLAMO_091130.html

NTIA issued the following press release on mapping grants to Arkansas, the District of Columbia, and New York under its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program.   NTIA also issued a press release on $1.4 million grant to West Virginia which follows.

Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services

For Immediate Release: October 26, 2009
Contact:  Jessica Schafer, 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.

WASHINGTON –The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded grants to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in Arkansas, the District of Columbia, and New York under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

“This program will advance efforts to expand broadband access and adoption nationwide, which is vital to job creation and economic recovery,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “NTIA will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects, so that all states and territories can soon participate in this initiative.”

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. The first five grants under this program were announced earlier this month and the agency expects to continue announcing awards on a rolling basis throughout the fall.

With today’s announcement, NTIA has awarded Connect Arkansas approximately $1.6 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and almost $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period for the state of Arkansas, bringing the total grant award to nearly $2.1 million. Connect Arkansas, the designated entity for the state of Arkansas, is a private nonprofit organization based in that state.

NTIA has awarded the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Technology Officer (DC OCTO) approximately $993,000 for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period for the District of Columbia, bringing the total grant award to nearly $1.5 million. DC OCTO is the designated entity for the District of Columbia.

In addition, NTIA has awarded the New York State Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure (OCSCI) approximately $2 million for broadband data collection and mapping activities over a two-year period and $500,000 for broadband planning activities over a five-year period for New York, bringing the total grant award to approximately $2.5 million. OCSCI is the designated entity for the state of New York.

Awardees will collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy. For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Link:  http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_MappingAwards_091026.html

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT’S NTIA AWARDS $ 1.4 MILLION GRANT FOR BROADBAND MAPPING AND PLANNING IN WEST VIRGINIA
Recovery Act Funding to Lay Groundwork for Enhanced Internet Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  October 23, 2009
CONTACT:  Jessica Schafer 202-482-5670 or press@ntia.doc.gov.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded a grant of approximately $1.4 million to fund broadband mapping and planning activities in West Virginia under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

“Broadband access is the gateway to the modern economy and a key factor in bringing jobs to more Americans. This program will further efforts to increase broadband deployment and adoption in West Virginia and nationwide, helping to chart the course for sustained economic recovery,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said.

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. The first four grants under this program were announced earlier this month and the agency expects to continue announcing awards on a rolling basis throughout the fall.

NTIA has awarded the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey (GES) approximately $1.2 million to collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the state. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with the data to be presented in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community. In addition, the GES will receive $185,000 for the cost of broadband planning activities in West Virginia over two years, bringing its grant award total to approximately $1.4 million.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed, location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

Link: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_MappingWVgrant_20091023.html

NTIA issues the following press release regarding the award of the first four grants under its State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont.

Recovery Act Funding to Provide Policymakers and Consumers with Improved Data on Internet Service in California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2009

Contact:  Mark Tolbert, 202-482-8176 or press@ntia.doc.gov

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced that it has awarded the first four grants under NTIA’s State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program to fund activities in California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont. The program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will increase broadband access and adoption through better data collection and broadband planning. The data will be displayed in NTIA’s national broadband map, a tool that will inform policymakers’ efforts and provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

“Broadband will bring many benefits to the Nation, such as job creation and innovation, but these benefits have been delayed by the lack of comprehensive, reliable data on the availability of broadband service,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. “This program addresses an important need and will provide a valuable tool in bringing broadband and jobs to more Americans.”

NTIA received applications representing all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program, meaning that all governments that were eligible to apply for grants did so, whether directly or through a designated entity. The agency is currently reviewing the remaining 52 applications and expects to continue announcing awards on a rolling basis throughout the fall.

A summary of the four awards announced today is as follows:

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is awarded approximately $1.8 million; the Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) is awarded approximately $1.3 million; the Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. (e-NC Authority) is awarded approximately $1.6 million; and the Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) is awarded approximately $1.2 million to collect and verify the availability, speed, and location of broadband across the states of California, Indiana, North Carolina, and Vermont, respectively. This activity is to be conducted on a semi-annual basis between 2009 and 2011, with initial data coming available in November 2009 to inform broadband policy efforts. Awardees are to present the data in a clear and accessible format to the public, government, and the research community.

The CPUC is also awarded $500,000 for the cost of broadband planning activities in California over four years, bringing its grant award total to approximately $2.3 million. In addition, the e-NC Authority is awarded approximately $435,000 for the cost of broadband planning activities in North Carolina over five years, bringing its grant award total to over $2 million.

“The four award recipients submitted well-formed proposals that are both fiscally prudent and serve as a model for others,” Strickling added. “We are committed to making the program succeed nationwide and will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects.”

NTIA noted that the four award recipients submitted grant applications that met or exceeded program requirements in all areas. For example:

Data Collection: While all four recipients plan to collect data directly from broadband providers, each also described plans to collect or utilize data from other sources.  Examples include wireless propagation models, speed tests, online and field surveys, and drive testing.  Recipients also plan to use existing datasets that were developed for other purposes but are valuable for broadband mapping, including orthophotography, parcel maps, and E911 datasets.

Verification:  The recipients will use multiple verification methods, and each also plans to use independent verifiers to conduct data verification work.

Collaboration: Recipients demonstrated that the relevant state agencies are committed to the success of the project and plan to be actively engaged in its leadership. Each recipient is collaborating with other state partners, resulting in plans that are unique to each state’s needs and capabilities. In addition, while current Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and/or broadband resources vary by state, recipients described how their projects will integrate and leverage existing capacity.

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program is a matching grant program that implements the joint purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). The program will provide grants to assist states or their designees in gathering and verifying state-specific data on the availability, speed,  location, and technology type of broadband services. The data they collect and compile will also be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to inform the comprehensive, interactive, and searchable national broadband map that NTIA is required by the Recovery Act to create and make publicly available by February 17, 2011.

The national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service; the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools, libraries, hospitals, colleges, universities, and public buildings. The national map will also be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in the corresponding census block or street segment.

Awardees are required to contribute at least 20 percent non-federal matching funds toward project costs. In addition, while the BDIA mandates that each state may designate only one eligible entity to receive funds under the program, each state’s applicant will be carefully evaluated and must meet the standards described in NTIA’s Notice of Funds Availability for this program in order to receive funding.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on communications and information policy.  For more information about the NTIA, visit www.ntia.doc.gov.

Link: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/press/2009/BTOP_MappingAwards_091005.html

Wall Street Journal – Battle over Broadband Mapping – WSJ discusses Connected Nation’s role in mapping and its critics

Telephony Online – Was broadband stimulus really delayed? Perception may be reality – Telephony Magazine discusses the dates published on the NTIA BTOP’s Recovery. gov program page.

Broadband Census - Broadband Data Collection Must Be Thorough and Transparent, Say Experts – Experts seek better data for broadband mapping.

Reuters - Obama Stimulus Bill Effects Will Take Time -  Experts estimate the impact on the economy from broadband stimulus spending.

Minneapolis Star Tribune - A bubble of broadband spending – Notes that some carriers are waiting to see if they qualify for stimulus funds before proceeding with deployment plans.