|
|
|
|
|
|
Rural Broadband InitiativeThe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorized the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to implement the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)-a $4.7 billion "one-time" competitive matching grants program to expand broadband services to unserved and underserved areas, improve broadband access to enhance remote education, promote telemedicine, for public safety agencies, stimulate the economy and create jobs. The Broadband Innovation Fund was designed to utilize government funding programs such as the NTIA as well as the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Program-which received $2.5 billion for broadband loans, loan guarantees and grants under the Recovery Act - and in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Rural Broadband in the United States has been deemed one of the most important initiatives in our current US Government. The reasons given are many but at the top of the list will most certainly include public safety, homeland security and education. It is estimated that possibly more than 40 million Americans are still without Broadband access and/or a choice of competitive Broadband service found in urban and suburban counterparts. Also known as the digital divide, this discrepancy contributes to the embarrassing position of America's poor ranking among civilized communities throughout the World rating 16th in the World. Additionally, it accepts some responsibility to the diminution of advanced communication applications related to public safety, homeland security and education. The initiatives to improve the deficiencies in the development of U.S. Broadband have stimulated Congress to pass the revision of the Telecommunications Act in enacting the Broadband Communications Bill establishing more than 2 Billion Dollars to be loaned out of the Rural Utility Services Division from the Department of Agriculture in low cost loans allocated specifically for the development of an improved rural Broadband infrastructure. This initiative has produced less than 500 million in loans since its 2002 inception. The Broadband Innovation Fund was developed with much of the same initiatives with an objective of stimulating more development in America's rural Broadband infrastructure. It is, however, not repressed with difficult application processes or politically motivated agendas. Rather the Fund is designed on the premise of free enterprise and open market reception. Qualified fund raisers to present this unique funding program with its enormous upside opportunity. | |
19206 Huebner, Suite 202, San Antonio, TX 78258 210.233.8980 (phone) 210.233.8986 (fax) 888.284.4531 (Toll free) |
|