The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that it received 867 applications requesting $11 billion in funding for proposed broadband projects reaching across the United States. These are second round Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) applications that, when combined with approximately $4.5 billion in non-Federal matching funds applicants have committed, total approx $15.5 billion. Here's a breakdown of the round 2 proposals using the three Commerce Department proposal categories from the announcement press release:
Comprehensive Community Infrastructure: 355 of the applications, requesting approximately $8.4 billion in grants, are for Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects, which focus on deployment of middle mile broadband infrastructure that connects community anchor institutions, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and public safety facilities. For the second funding round, NTIA has allocated approximately $2.35 billion for such infrastructure projects.
Sustainable Broadband Adoption: 251 of the applications, requesting approximately $1.7 billion in grants, are for projects that promote sustainable demand for broadband services, including projects to provide broadband education, training, and equipment, particularly among vulnerable population groups where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized. In the second funding round, NTIA has allocated at least $100 million for such projects.
Public Computer Centers: 261 of the applications, requesting more than $922 million in grants, are for public computer center projects, which will expand access to broadband service and enhance broadband capacity at public libraries, community colleges, and other institutions that serve the public. In the second funding round, NTIA has allocated at least $150 million for such projects.
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With regard to western Mass., the Mass. Broadband Institute has applied for about $45M in Comprehensive Community Infrastructure. I am happy to report that a new organization called WiredWest (wired-west.net), is seeking to build a last mile FTTH network in all the un-served and under-served towns in western Mass using the town anchor points that will, with luck, be connected by MBI. Articles on about 40 town warrants will hopefully establish a representative group that will meet for the first time early this summer.
Excellent news David!
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