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Bridging the Digital Divide |
We are pleased to announce an important milestone for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) in its effort to secure federal funding. The MBI's federal stimulus application, MassBroadband 123, is currently in due diligence review by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This is a critical part of the process that will determine if MassBroadband 123 receives funding by the Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program (BTOP) created in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As in Round One, this will be a highly competitive process, and being put into due diligence review does not guarantee an award. However, a BTOP applicant cannot secure an award without going through active due diligence review by the NTIA. We believe we have put forth a strong application that meets the guidelines set forth by the NTIA, and we are looking forward to discussing the merits of the proposal during the due diligence review period. The review schedule calls for the NTIA to announce Round Two awards on a rolling basis beginning in June 2010, with all awards being announced by September 30, 2010. New videos on the website: To highlight the need for affordable, high-speed Internet in western Massachusetts, the MBI has added new videos to its website. The videos feature Governor Deval Patrick and Senator John Kerry, who express their strong support for MassBroadband 123, as well as the critical need for affordable, quality broadband in the western part of the state. In addition, we added video testimonials from state leaders, residents and other important stakeholders who emphasize the ways in which broadband connectivity will improve education, enhance economic opportunities and strengthen public safety. Last week, Senator Kerry submitted a letter to the NTIA indicating his support for MassBroadband 123, highlighting the project's impact on small businesses and economic development in the region. In his letter, Senator Kerry has indicated that MassBroadband 123 is pivotal to ensuring the economic vitality of western Massachusetts and the region's ability to compete in the 21st century global economy. Mapping Update: The MBI recently submitted comprehensive broadband mapping datasets to the NTIA for inclusion in the National Broadband Map. These datasets provide a more granular level of detail than has existed in the past and are the result of data sharing agreements established between the MBI and companies providing broadband service in Massachusetts—including DSL, cable, fiber-optic and wireless. The MBI would like to thank the companies that provided the data, which will enable the National Broadband Map to identify the number and type of broadband services available for areas no larger than 2 square miles. The MBI would also like to thank the many community anchor institutions across the state that provided information about their current broadband services, including colleges and universities, libraries, hospitals, community health centers and police stations. MOU with the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The MBI is pleased to announce an agreement with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which will allow the placement of broadband equipment on existing fire towers. The MBI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, with DCR to utilize pre-existing fire towers to expand wireless connectivity for broadband in western Massachusetts. Using pre-existing structures will make it easier for last-mile providers to offer broadband services, while preserving the natural beauty of the region. Upcoming Community Advisory Committee Meeting: The MBI will host a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) phone conference for CAC members and other interested stakeholders to discuss the status of MassBroadband 123 and other broadband activities. The conference call will be held on Thursday, May 13, from 12 to 1 pm. For more information on the CAC conference call please email broadband@masstech.org For more information on MassBroadband 123 and other MBI broadband initiatives please visit www.massbroadband.org.
Massachusetts Broadband Institute is a division of MTC |
