Expanding Broadband Services To Boost Economy

A hot topic these days, which doesn't look to cool any time soon, is economic recovery. Whether speaking with your co-workers, watching the nightly news, or even relaxing to your favorite sitcom; the subject of our economy continues to work it's way into our heads.

Well, this post is no different. A few days ago, Cabling Installation and Maintenance, reported on the continued support of broadband expansion to ignite economic growth.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is accepting Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) applications through March 15, 2010 for a second round of funding. 

Cabling Installation and Maintenance's article states:

"NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA received more than 1,800 applications proposing projects totaling nearly $19 billion during the first BTOP funding round and is currently awarding grants on a rolling basis. NTIA is currently accepting BTOP applications through March 15, 2010 for a second round of funding.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to NTIA and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to fund projects that will expand access to and adoption of broadband services. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion for grants to deploy broadband infrastructure in the United States, expand public computer center capacity, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. NTIA will announce all grant awards by September 30, 2010."

 

The full article which details the newest Recovery Act investments, $13.4 million to the state of Utah and $11.9 million to DeKalb County, Illinois, can be read here.