With more than $7 billion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act set aside for increasing broadband access in the United States, the stimulus presents a huge opportunity for schools and communities to help close the digital divide.
The stimulus package authorizes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to implement the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which is a $4.7 billion, one-time competitive matching grants program. The funds are intended to expand broadband services to underserved areas, improve broadband access for public safety agencies, stimulate the economy, and create jobs. NTIA implemented the program along side the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Services, which received $2.5 billion for broadband loans, loan guarantees, and grants under the Recovery Act, and in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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