Website Banner for Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, Source: NTIA

What Types of Broadband Initiatives will be Funded under BTOP?

Eligible projects to deploy broadband infrastructure and to increase broadband adoption include:

Infrastructure

Deploying broadband infrastructure for last mile, middle mile or long haul facilities of wireline or wireless networks

Equipment and Software

Acquiring broadband equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, network technology

Serve Anchor Institutions

Ensuring access to broadband service by "community anchor institutions" (strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits to the community, including libraries, post-secondary educational institutions, arts and cultural facilities, and hospitals)

Serve Vulnerable Populations

Facilitating access to broadband service by lower income, unemployed, aged, and otherwise vulnerable populations to provide educational and employment opportunities

Public Safety Communications

Constructing and deploying broadband facilities that improve public safety communications

ARRA, Section 6001 (g), page 400

Eligible Costs

Funding is only available for “non-recurring costs,” not operation or personnel expenses. In this regard, the NTIA will generally pay for installation costs, but will not pay for staffing costs of any project. (NTIA website)

Consultation with States

NTIA is directed to consult with States on “the allocation of grant funds within that State for projects in or affecting the State.”

ARRA, Section 6001 (c), page 399

Available Funding by Project Type

Improve Access to and Use of Broadband Services

Description: General funds for improvement of broadband technology opportunities.

Appropriation: $3.9 Billion

Statute: ARRA, Title II, Department of Commerce, page 14

Innovative Programs to Encourage Adoption of Broadband

Description: Programs to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.

This “part of the (BTOP) program is directed towards competitive grants for innovative programs to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service in particular by vulnerable populations. The Conferees note the success of such programs in several States, and hope that these grantees will be involved in aggregating demand, ensuring community involvement, and fostering useful technology applications, thereby stimulating economic growth and job creation.” (ARRA 2009, Conference Report)

Appropriation: $250 Million

Statute: ARRA, Title II, Department of Commerce, page 14

Expanded Public Computer Access Program

Description: Projects to upgrade technology and capacity at public computer centers, which are a key source of access to the Internet for lower income users, such as community colleges and public libraries.

Appropriation: $200 Million

Statute: ARRA, Title II, Department of Commerce, page 14