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Bridging the Digital Divide Obama Administration Seeking to Expand Availability of July 1, 2010 |
Today, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) announced that it is applying for more than $5 million in federal funding under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBDD), administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). In November 2009, the MBI was awarded $2 million in federal stimulus funding for broadband data development and mapping. The new SBDD funding opportunity, announced in May, will allow the MBI to build upon current broadband mapping and data collection for up to three additional years. The MBI is the only entity in Massachusetts eligible to apply for the grant, which will support the MBI's mission of expanding broadband connectivity across the state. In addition, the SBDD funding will also be used to support three programs designed to increase broadband access and computer literacy, streamline veterans' services, and support small businesses and nonprofits across the Commonwealth. Technology Goes Home The Technology Goes Home initiative, which has been operating in Boston for several years, aims to strengthen computer skills for both children and adults in low-income communities. The MBI will expand Technology Goes Home to several communities across the state that have broadband access, and provide participants with digital literacy training and a netbook computer. The expansion of Technology Goes Home will help close the digital divide, while enabling children to better compete academically and allowing adults to develop employment skills. For regions with limited or no broadband access, the program will offer additional computer equipment and training at local public libraries. Massachusetts Veterans' Portal The MBI will work with state agencies, veterans' organizations, health care providers, and government 2.0 experts to create a web-based portal that will provide veterans and their families with easier, more streamlined access to services, resources, and opportunities to share experiences. The goal of the portal will be to aggregate all of the relevant links, information and tools that veterans need to have a simple and beneficial online experience. The MBI will also provide a digital literacy training program to help veterans learn how to use the site effectively and productively. Helping Small Businesses and Nonprofits The MBI will collaborate with four community development corporations to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations integrate broadband use and computer ownership through technical assistance and small subgrants. This project will direct the assistance to organizations that are likely to thrive and create jobs. By providing direct support to small businesses and nonprofits, this program will provide businesses and nonprofits with the necessary tools to compete in the digital economy. Awards for the SBDD applications will be announced no later than September 30, 2010. All of the MBI's proposed initiatives are contingent upon the MBI receiving the SBDD grant funding. * * * Earlier this week, the Obama Administration announced its intention to expand the availability of wireless communications spectrum during the next decade. The New York Times ran a story on June 28, 2010 about this initiative. << Click here to read the New York Times story For more information on MassBroadband 123 and other MBI broadband initiatives, please visit www.massbroadband.org.
Massachusetts Broadband Institute is a division of MTC |
