NTIA announces grants for broadband mapping
July 7, 2009
The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced details of a $240 million grant program to fund collection of state-level broadband high speed internet data, which NTIA plans to use in creating a national broadband map.
As the federal government works to develop a national broadband strategy, $7 billion in funds for grants and loans are being made available to expand broadband access to underserved areas.
NTIA administrator Lawrence E. Strickling said the mapping data will be used to create the national broadband map as well as state-level broadband maps tailored to their specific needs.
"These will be important tools for understanding and improving broadband access and adoption in the United States," Strickling said.
The national broadband map will outline where broadband service is available; the technology used to provide the service (e.g., DSL versus cable broadband); the speeds of the service; and broadband service availability at public schools and buildings.
NTIA said the national map, which must be completed by February 2011, will also be searchable by address and broadband service providers will have the option to make their identity available.
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