Eighteen states and two territories ring in the New Year with NTIA grants

For broadband project administrators, it's a "Happy New Year" indeed.

Between December 22 and December 31, The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an additional twenty broadband mapping and planning grants in eighteen states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to NTIA Administrator Lawrence E. Strickling, the NTIA has now released more than half of its mapping and planning grants.

"Congress rightly recognized that increasing broadband access and adoption in communities being left behind in the 21st Century economy depends on better data collection and broadband planning," said Strickling, "Our goal is to carry out this initiative on schedule and at the lowest cost necessary to do the job right."

Puerto Rico will receive $1.4 million, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive nearly $1.3 million for broadband mapping and planning. Two of the biggest grants are going to public utility and service entities in Utah and Oregon, totaling $2 million and $2.1 million respectively.

In 10 states, the designated entity for the grants is Speed Matters partner Connected Nation, an organization focused on expanding broadband access and adoption. "From experience, we have seen that every state, territory and community has its own unique technology challenges," said Connected Nation CEO CEO Brian Mefford. Broadband mapping is the first step to getting where we need to be faster and with greater effectiveness.

The data collection activities will inform the FCC's National Broadband Plan, which is due before Congress next month.

Press Release: Commerce Department's NTIA Awards Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning in Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire, Utah and the U.S. Virgin Islands (NTIA)

Press Release: Commerce Department's NTIA Awards 15 Grants for Broadband Mapping and Planning (NTIA)

Ten More Connected Nation Partner Projects Receive Recovery Act Funding For Broadband Mapping and Planning Initiatives (Connected Nation)