Billions of dollars available to bring broadband access to the underserved

Broadband access is coming to the rural areas

The June eSchool News report featured the stimulus aid available to bring broadband access to those who don’t have it.  More than $7 billion is available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to subsidize this initiative and will help schools and communities close the digital divide.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has been authorized to implement the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), a $4.7B program.  The goal is to expand broadband services to underserved areas, improve broadband access for public safety agencies, stimulate the economy and create jobs.

How will this funding be used? To acquire and deploy equipment, technology, and infrastructure that promotes access and educational or employment opportunities among low-income and unemployed.  In addition, millions will be put towards upgrading public computing centers, such as those at community colleges and public libraries.

Two-year, competitive BTOP grants are available to states, nonprofit organizations (including schools and colleges that bring broadband services to their larger communities), and internet service providers, and they require a 20-percent matching investment from nonfederal funding sources.

In this stimulus package, Congress required the FCC to create a national broadband plan.  The FCC wants input from all stakeholders to ensure everyone reaps the benefits of broadband.  The FCC must assemble the plan and present it to Congress by February 2010.