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Broadband Technology Federal Requirements

Overview of Program

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
NTIA – $4.7 Billion
A.   Purpose of funding is to stimulate
1)      Consumer access to broadband in unserved areas
2)      Improved access to broadband in underserved areas
3)      Broadband services education, training and support to
    1. schools, libraries, health providers;
    2. associations and organization that provide outreach to low-income and vulnerable populations; and
    3. job creating facilities in state designated economic zones 
4)      Broadband access and use by Public safety agencies
5)      Demand for broadband, economic growth, and job creation
B.     Consultation and Coordination with States
1)      Identification of unserved and underserved area
2)      Allocation of project grants
3)      State to coordinate efforts
4)      Complete projects within two years of award
 
C.     Eligible Entities
1)      State or political subdivision, Indian Tribe,
2)      Non-profit organization,
3)      Broadband service or infrastructure provider and
4)      Any other entity that NTIA finds to be in the public interest
 
D.     Grant Application
1)      Funding will be efficiently and expeditiously used and must show that the project would not have been implemented during the grant period without Federal assistance
2)      Demonstrate capability to carrying out the project in com­pliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws
3)      Demonstrate that it will appropriate or otherwise unconditionally obligate, from non-Federal sources, a 20% fund match
4)      Disclose the source and amount of other Federal or State funding sources from which the applicant receives, or has applied for, funding for activities or projects
 
E.      Grants – General Requirements
1)      Grants are competitive – First come, first served
2)      20% non-federally funded grant’s match required - may be waived
3)      At least 1 grant per state
4)      Amounts must be awarded prior by October 2010
5)      Acquires equipment, network, hardware, software, digital technology and infrastructure for broadband services
6)      Constructs and deploy broadband service related infrastructure
7)      Ensures access to broadband service by anchor institutions
8)      Constructs and deploy broadband facilities that improve public safety broadband communications
9)      Available to any provider offering last-mile, middle-mile or long haul facilities
10) Offers innovative programs to encourage sustainable adopt of broadband services, particularly by vulnerable populations
11) Supports demand aggregation, community involvement, economic growth and job creation
12) Increases affordability/subscribership to greatest population of users in the area
13) Provides the greatest broadband speed possible to the greatest population of users in the area
14) Enhances service for health care delivery, education, or children to the greatest population of users in the area
15) Does not result in unjust enrichment as a result of support for non-recurring costs through another Federal program for service in the area
16) Considers whether the applicant is a socially and eco­nomically disadvantaged small business concern
17)  Adheres to non-discrimination and network interconnection obligations
 
F.      Grant Reporting/Tracking
1)   Quarterly reporting by grant recipient (available to public)
2)   Grants may be de-obligated for reason
3)   Internet searchable database of grant disbursement information
4)   FCC to develop national broadband plan one year out
5)   NTIA to publish national broadband map two years out
 
   $350 million funds the mapping portion of the Broadband Data Improvement Act.