Connected Nation launches tool that tracks availability on the census block level
Speed Matters partner Connected Nation has launched a new tool to assist applicants for broadband stimulus funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The interactive map shows broadband availability down to the Census Block level.
This tool was initially rolled out with the Connected Tennessee and Connected Ohio broadband availability maps. The tool is open to the general public, though state leaders, broadband providers, and broadband advocates will find it most useful. Users can look at any Census Block within Tennessee and Ohio to find the number of served and unserved households.
As states continue to move forward with their applications for funding from the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), this specified data is necessary to complete thorough and accurate grant applications.
Users can also download any dataset found on the maps.
"Connected Nation's interactive mapping tool and Census Block data sets will give applicants the building blocks for a strong federal proposal to expand broadband access," said Connected Nation's chief analyst Laura Taylor. "States with Census Block level broadband data will be better positioned to take advantage of stimulus funds."
There is up to $350 million available for broadband mapping and planning in the economic recovery package. Applications for the first round of funds are due August 14.
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