Flexible Gen. Gov't Operations / Telecommunications / DIS Coordinates Response to ARRA Broadband Initiative

Department of Information Services coordinates response to ARRA broadband initiative

The Department of Information Services along with other state agencies coordinated a state response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Rural Utilities Services (RUS) joint Broadband Technology Opportunities Program request for information.

The ARRA requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)to establish the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The act further establishes authority for the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to make grants and loans for deployment and construction of broadband systems.

The purpose of the BTOP is to accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and ensure that strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide public benefits have broadband connections.