Broadband Programs and Initiatives

The Recovery Act provides critical funding for multiple Broadband programs. Such as:

Under the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) was appropriated $ 4.7 billion to establish a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) for awards to eligible entities to develop and expand broadband services to rural and underserved areas and improve access to broadband by public safety agencies. The Act provides:

• $250 million will be available for innovative programs that encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services;
• $200 million will be available to upgrade technology and capacity at public computing centers, including community colleges and public libraries;
• $10 million will be a transfer to the Office of Inspector General for the purposes of BTOP audits and oversight.
• Up to $350 million of the BTOP funding is designated for the development and maintenance of statewide broadband inventory maps.

Broadband Sustainable Adoption: The Florida Rural Broadband Education Campaign (.pdf 66.5 kb)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was appropriated $28 billion (3.5 percent) of the Recovery Act.  The funding will:

• Provide $19.7 billion to increase the monthly amount of nutrition assistance to 31.8 million people;
• Enable expanded opportunities for broadband loans and grants to rural communities;
• Expand funding opportunities to develop water and waste facilities; and
• Provide funding to protect and conserve the nation's forests and farm land.

Visit the Florida Office of Economic Recovery website to see grant opportunities; grant submissions; and letters of recommendation.