The Broadband Stimulus

How does it impact your community?

States and localities across the country are beginning to assess their broadband gaps, hoping to tap into the $7.2 billion in federal funding for high-speed Internet expansion in the economic stimulus bill. The funds are designed to create jobs, jumpstart the economy, and build America's long-term competitiveness.

The funds will be administered by two agencies:

• The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will distribute $4.7 billion in grants. The law allocates up to $350 million for broadband mapping, community planning, and demand-stimulation; at least $200 million to expand public computer capacity; at least $250 million for broadband adoption projects; and the remaining funds for network build-out to unserved and underserved areas and networks connecting community anchor institutions such as schools, libraries, rural health centers, public safety, government institutions, and community centers.

• The Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service will distribute $2.5 billion in grants, loans, and loan guarantees for network build-out primarily in rural areas without broadband.

While each state is guaranteed at least one NTIA grant for a broadband initiative, projects will be funded based on a series of criteria established by the two agencies responsible for the grants.

The money for broadband in the economic stimulus package is a big step towards affordable high speed Internet for all Americans. Speed Matters offers a comprehensive resource for learning about the grant process and innovative ideas to utilize the funds.

Search the Database: State Broadband Initiatives