Efforts to Bring Federal Broadband Program Resources to Western Massachusetts
July 2010 Overview
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) targets $7.2 billion of federal funding to address the problem of broadband access and adoption in the nation.
Round I Applications
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) took the lead on two of the federal programs, the Broadband Initiatives Program and the State Broadband Data and Development Program, and submitted proposals totaling $105 million ($100 million for broadband infrastructure in western Massachusetts and $5 million for statewide mapping).
At the same time, WesternMA Connect, Inc. collaborated with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) to identify potential partners to take advantage of two other federal funding opportunities. With the FRCOG as the lead applicant, regional applications were submitted to the federal Sustainable Broadband Adoption Program and the Public Computer Center Program for proposed western Massachusetts projects. These applications reflected collaboration and coordination among key partners to implement projects that would achieve significantly greater public access and broadband adoption in the region. All applications were carefully crafted to meet federal guidelines and achieve the programs' goals of providing broadband access to unserved citizens. They were also identified by Governor Patrick as among his top priorities for the Commonwealth.
The MBI and the FRCOG were informed late January 2010 that their western Massachusetts applications for federal broadband grants were unsuccessful.
Round I Regional Applications - Executive Summaries:
Public Computer Centers Center Program
Sustainable Broadband Adoption Program
Round I - NTIA/BTOP Awards
Round II Applications
On March 25, 2010, the MBI submitted an application titled "MassBroadband 123" that requested federal funding to construct a middle-mile, fiber network in western Massachusetts. On July 2, 2010, Senator John Kerry and Congressmen John Olver, Richard Neal and Jim McGovern, together with Governor Deval Patrick announced that the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) will receive $45.5 million for investment in broadband technologies for 123 underserved or unconnected towns in Western Massachusetts. The federal funding comes as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This investment represents the culmination of years of work out of the Governor’s office and state legislature in cooperation and consultation with federal officials.
For a complete description of the MBI project and to view maps of the proposed network, go to www.massbroadband.org or contact the MBI at 508-870-0312.
Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption
Options for Round II applications for public computer centers (PCC) and sustainable broadband adoption (SBA) were diligently explored by Connect, the FRCOG, Round I application partners and other stakeholders. Based on an examination of the new federal program guidelines, an assessment made of statements by the federal funding authorities and a review of Round I awards, and due diligence by regional partners, there was consensus that a PCC or SBA regional application for Round II would not be pursued. There was agreement that the MBI’s application for federal infrastructure funding was of utmost importance to the region and that it was important for the federal funding authority not to view other western Massachusetts applications as competition to the MBI’s application. In addition, it was agreed that the projects and collaborations identified through this funding application process are very promising and would be of great benefit to the region. Monitoring for additional funding opportunities will continue, as will continued communication, as appropriate.
Round II Program Overviews:
RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP)
NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP)
Quick Links:
FCC National Broadband Plan
ARRA Broadband Programs
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