Public Policy: The Latest InformationWith more than $4 billion in broadband stimulus funds now available, Connected Nation is constantly monitoring the activities associated with these funds. Here is the latest information: November 30, 2009 Connected Nation responds to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Joint Request for Information Connected Nation has filed a response to a Joint Request for Information from NTIA and RUS. This request sought public comment on issues relating to the implementation of the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This input will be used by the agencies to inform the second round of funding, help them improve the broadband programs by enhancing the applicant experience and if necessary make targeted revisions to the first Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). To view our response, click here. July 30, 2009 Connected Nation Develops More Maps of Rural and Remote Areas to Help States Maximize Broadband Stimulus Connected Nation, using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, has released more statewide maps of rural and remote areas in three states and one U.S. territory to support applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To view the maps, click here. July 24, 2009 Connected Nation Develops Maps of Rural and Remote Areas to Help States Maximize Broadband Stimulus Connected Nation, using ArcGIS technology in partnership with ESRI, released statewide maps of rural and remote areas in seven states to support applications for broadband infrastructure funds now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). A nationwide PDF map of rural and remote areas is also available. To view the maps, click here. July 22, 2009 Mapped states hold advantage in getting broadband funds From Washington Watch By Tim Doyle Providers in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and other states with their own broadband maps might be at a tremendous advantage in accessing billions of dollars for high-speed Internet lines. The $7.2 billion allocated for broadband stimulus is set to be disbursed by September 2010. However, an associated effort to create a national broadband map of availability, speed and pricing is not slated to be completed until February 2011. Therefore, states that made their own broadband maps will hold a distinct advantage over those that lack details on availability and other key data. "I don't think there's any way around that," Brian Mefford, CEO of the nonprofit Connected Nation, told SNL Kagan in an interview. "Any provider that's interested has the data to validate their application." To view the entire article, click here. To learn more about Connected Nation's new interactive mapping tool that illustrates broadband availability by census blocks, click here. July 13, 2009 NTIA and RUS Release Broadband Stimulus Funds Application Procedures On Friday, the NTIA and RUS released the application procedures for the $4 billion in broadband grants and loans now available under the federal stimulus bill. Starting July 31, applicants will be able to use the on-line system to apply for grants. Those requesting more than $1 million are required to file on-line. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Eastern Time on August 14, 2009. To view the application procedures, click here. To learn how Connected Nation can help, e-mail at broadbandstimulus@connectednation.org. July 9, 2009 States Update and Release Broadband Maps to Prepare for Stimulus Funding As states’ prepare to take advantage of broadband mapping stimulus funds, several states where Connected Nation is active are updating and releasing broadband maps. In Tennessee, the Chattanooga Times Free-Press wrote a story on how a newly released Connected Tennessee broadband map could help steer federal broadband stimulus dollars to the state. To read the entire article, click here. Also, today in Raleigh, N.C., Rep. Bill Faison and other legislative and executive branch leaders joined high-speed Internet service providers, North Carolina Farm Bureau, and Connect North Carolina to announce the release of the state’s first accurate broadband inventory map that illustrates the extent of broadband services available across North Carolina. To view the press release, click here. July 8, 2009 NTIA and RUS Begin Broadband Stimulus Funds Workshops This week, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) began a series of public workshops about the application process for $4 billion in broadband grants and loans under the federal stimulus bill. To read more, click here. July 7, 2009 Connected Nation Hosts More Than 300 State Leaders for Broadband Stimulus Webinar With the recent announcement of the availability of $4 billion in broadband stimulus funds, Connected Nation is moving forward its efforts to inform states about how to increase their broadband availability and adoption rates. To view the slides from the presentation, click here. July 2, 2009 Connected Nation Reviewing Broadband Stimulus Funds Availability The federal government has announced the availability of $4 billion in broadband loans and grants to help bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities across America. To read more, click here.
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