NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM ($4.7 Billion)
The purpose of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program is to:
- Provide broadband access in unserved areas
- Improve access in underserved areas
- Improve access by public safety agencies
- Stimulate broadband demand
- Give education/awareness/training/access/equipment/ and support
Up to $1.6 billion in BTOP grants is available for the first round of ARRA broadband funding. Additional funds will be available in subsequent funding rounds. BTOP includes grant awards for these programs:
The Broadband Infrastructure category (up to $1.2 billion) will fund projects that deliver broadband service through Last Mile or Middle Mile facilities to unserved and underserved areas.
The Public Computer Center category (up to $50 million) will fund projects that expand computer center capacity at entities that permit the public to use these computer centers, such as community colleges and public libraries.
The Sustainable Broadband Adoption category (up to $150 million) will fund innovative projects that promote broadband demand, such as projects focused on broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment or support, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The entire $4.7 billion BTOP budget includes:
- Up to $3.9 billion for the broadband deployment and expansion program
- $1.2 billion is available under the 7/1/09 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
- At least $200 million on public computer center capacity grants
- $50 million is available under the 7/1/09 NOFA
- At least $250 million for innovative programs to encourage sustainable broadband adoption
- $150 million is available under the 7/1/09 NOFA
- Up to $350 million on broadband mapping and planning
- $250 million is available under the 7/1/09 NOFA
For more information on these grants, visit http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/BTOP_NOFAfactsheet_090702.pdf