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Bridging the Digital Divide |
OpenCape Wins Federal Stimulus Award for Broadband The MBI congratulates OpenCape, a non-profit entity and community-driven regional advocate for broadband infrastructure expansion on Cape Cod, for receiving $32 million in federal stimulus funds under the U.S. Department of Commerce's BTOP (Broadband Technology Opportunities Program). The southeast Massachusetts region has a different set of needs than those of a mostly rural area, such as western Massachusetts, or a major metropolitan area, such as Boston. It has some minimal services that are not available in rural areas, but it does not have the telecommunications infrastructure it needs to survive and thrive. OpenCape's application focused on enabling services to underserved areas as well as on the need for commercial-grade broadband for entities with needs for symmetrical upstream and downstream Internet access, such as the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The federal funding will be used to provide broadband connectivity and create a 350-mile fiber-optic backbone, wireless microwave network, and regional data center. The project will connect over 60 anchor institutions on Cape Cod and on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The network will also include further connections to allow anchor institutions throughout southeastern Massachusetts to connect to the network. The $32 million BTOP federal grant award will be combined with $8 million in state and regional funding for a total of $40 million. The project will create over 400 jobs, fostering economic development and future growth. “OpenCape is the product of tremendous collaboration that included critical funding commitments and advocacy from Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute,” said OpenCape’s President, Dan Gallagher. “It’s a vital part of the region’s long-term growth and competitiveness strategy, and we are excited to have assembled all of the necessary funding to immediately begin building the OpenCape network.” “This federal award from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will help OpenCape build a regional network that supports innovation and cutting-edge research, leading to new economic opportunities and enhanced public safety for the entire region,” said Judy Dumont, Director of the MBI. “The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s John Adams Innovation Institute and the MBI both provided long-term support to OpenCape, and we congratulate the entire OpenCape team on winning this federal award. Deploying broadband in underserved areas in western Massachusetts and the Cape is a mission of economic justice and fundamental fairness that addresses a critical need for individuals who have been forced to go without for far too long. The MBI's mission continues as we work to close the digital divide in the remaining counties of western Massachusetts.” Read Congressman Bill Delahunt’s Press Release _________________________________________________________________________ NTIA Announces Deadline Extension for Round Two BTOP Applications The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced it will extend the deadline for BTOP (Broadband Technology Opportunities Program) Comprehensive Community Infrastructure (middle-mile) projects until March 26. The application deadline for Round Two BTOP Public Computing Center and Sustainable Broadband Adoption applications remains March 15. The MBI is working aggressively to secure federal stimulus funds for broadband expansion in western Massachusetts to supplement existing state-funded projects, such as the deployment of fiber-optic cable along I-91. We would like to thank everyone who has submitted letters of need and demand, and we encourage others to submit letters of support as soon as possible. These letters are critical when NTIA reviews applications. They will be looking for statements that indicate the need for broadband and the impact broadband will have on residents, businesses and community institutions. With this deadline extension, the MBI will be accepting letters of support up until March 12, rather than the original deadline of March 5. The MBI continues to collaborate with community leaders, residents, and other partners to provide affordable, quality broadband connectivity to western Massachusetts. Bringing this vital resource to unserved and underserved residents remains one of our highest economic development priorities. All letters of support can be sent to Jason Whittet, whittet@masstech.org For more information please visit www.massbroadband.org
Massachusetts Broadband Institute is a division of MTC |
