Six more states receive funds for broadband mapping

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced its second round of grant awards for broadband mapping programs in Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, and Missouri.

The funds, which total nearly $11.2 million between the six states, were allocated under NTIA's State Broadband Data and Development Grant program, which was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The data will assist in future broadband planning - particularly with broadband deployment in rural or remote areas. The collected data will also contribute to a national broadband map that will be made public by February 17, 2011.

"This program will advance efforts to expand broadband access and adoption nationwide, which is vital to job creation and economic recovery," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling. "NTIA will continue to provide guidance to applicants where necessary to help them improve their proposed projects, so that all states and territories can soon participate in this initiative."

The State Broadband Data and Development Grant program matches state grants that assist with the goals of the Recovery Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). Under the program, states and their designees are responsible for 20 percent of matching funds toward project costs.

In November, NTIA awarded the first round of grants to Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Broadband Mapping Grants for Five More States (NTIA)

Commerce Department's NTIA Awards Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning in Alabana, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming (NTIA)