Four U.S. states are among the first to receive grants from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to map broadband use in homes.
California received $2.8 million, Indiana $1.3 million, North Carolina $2.035 million and Vermont $1.2 milliamp.
“Broadband will bring many benefits to the Nation, such as job creation and innovation, but these benefits have been delayed by the lack of comprehensive, reliable data on the availability of broadband service,” said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling.
Lawrence E. Strickling,
NTIA Administrator
“This program addresses an important need and will provide a valuable tool in bringing broadband and jobs to more Americans.”
The NTIA says the national broadband map will publicly display the geographic areas where broadband service is available along with details about the service, speeds and if its offered at schools, libraries, hospitals and colleges. The national map will be searchable by address and show the broadband providers offering service in local areas.
NTIA received applications from all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia to participate in the program. The agency is reviewing the remaining 52 applications and will continue to announce grant recipients on a rolling basis throughout the fall.
“The four award recipients submitted well-formed proposals that are both fiscally prudent and serve as a model for others,” Strickling added.
“We are committed to making the program succeed nationwide and will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects.”
