State Broadband Data and Development Program

The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is also awarding competitive, matching grants to support projects that will collect state-level broadband data, develop broadband maps and promote state-level broadband planning.

NTIA plans to support broadband planning projects, such as the identification of barriers to adopting broadband services and information technology services; the creation of local technology planning teams and the establishment of computer ownership and Internet access programs.

As part of the broadband mapping initiative, NTIA is seeking information on broadband availability, technology, speed, infrastructure and average revenue per user.

NTIA is authorized to spend up to $350 million for the development and maintenance of a national broadband map. It expects to award $240 million for the first round of applications, which are due August 14, 2009. Up to $500,000 may be awarded for the planning portion of each project. The size of each grant will vary, depending on the specifics and the quality of each project. Grant recipients must provide at least 20 percent in non-federal matching funds toward the project’s cost.

Eligible grant recipients can include:

• Agencies of a state, municipality or other subdivision of a state;
• Non-profit organizations;
• An independent agency or commission in which an officer of a state serves as a member on behalf of the state; or
• The single eligibility entity in a state that has been designated by the state to receive a grant.

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