Broadband Internet Resources

The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced availability of $4.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and loans to expand broadband access and adoption in America. This is the second funding round for the agencies’ broadband programs.   

NTIA and RUS also announced the rules for applying in this funding round, which have been modified to make the application process easier for applicants and better target program resources. The rules are presented in two separate but complementary Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) that promote each agency’s distinct objectives.   

The agencies plan to accept applications from February 16, 2010, to March 15, 2010, and announce all awards by September 30, 2010.   

To view the Round 2 NOFAs, visit: 

NTIA BTOP NOFA (116 pages)http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2010/FR_BTOPNOFA_100115.pdf  

RUS BIP (68 pages)

http://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/RUS%20Round%20Two%20NOFA%20Final.pdf  

September 22, 2009: Second round of broadband grants coming soon 

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) are expected to begin the process of soliciting applications by the end of the year for the second round of their respective stimulus-funded broadband initiatives. A total of $4.7 billion for broadband grants is available through NTIA's Broadband Technology Program, while an additional $2.5 billion will be awarded by RUS's Broadband Initiatives Program as grants and loans in Rounds One and Two. 

The clock is ticking for local governments as the federal funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), referred to as the federal stimulus package, for broadband push forward. With the window for Round One applications now closed (award announcements are pending), the State of Michigan is urging local government officials to actively engage in the effort to bring broadband connectivity to their  communities. 

It’s not too late to champion your community but you must engage now.

1) Review Round One applications at www.michigan.gov/broadband. Click on "MI’s Collaborative Effort" and "Summary of Round 1 Applications." Note:  Round one award announcements are expected to be released in December 2009.

2) Is your community covered by any of the proposed plans?

IF NO: Reach out to providers with plans from neighboring communities (see Plan for Round Two below)

IF YES: Partner with that provider NOW (the State can help):

• Invite the provider to the table along with community anchor institutions with strong interests in broadband (schools, libraries, medical facilities, etc.)
• Discuss proposed coverage, remaining needs, plan for implementation (if awarded),  and permitting needs
• Stay engaged!

3) Plan for Round Two

The Round Two application window is expected in January 2010. (It is not confirmed whether there will be a Round Three.)

• Mobilize community anchor institutions  and identify needs for broadband coverage
• Seek out providers willing to service your area (the State can help)
• Identify available assets for providers such as water towers and antennas
• Work now on plans to streamline process for permits and licenses
• Build a “shovel ready” plan with your provider
• Solicit / provide endorsements for the application

4) Communicate with the State

• Visit www.michigan.gov/broadband and sign-up for email updates on the ARRA funding programs and requirements
• Contact the State via email (broadband@michigan.gov) with questions or requests for assistance

Broadband Internet Access Resources

Townships may spend public funds to assist in providing broadband Internet access opportunities for public services, residents and businesses.

Michigan Telecommunications Act, Public Act 179 of 1991, [excerpt], MCL 484.2252 (sunsets Dec. 31, 2009)

Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Oversight Act , Public Act 48 of 2003, [excerpt], MCL 484.3114

This can be done using a variety of business models and public/private sector partnerships. The goal of providing Internet service throughout Michigan is still a work in progress, but townships can be a valuable partner in the process.

Action Plan for Deploying Broadband Internet to Michigan Local Governments (.pdf)
Written by MTA and MDIT Office of Technology Partnerships 

Access to Broadband is Critical to Your Township’s Future
2006 January/February Michigan Township News

Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) Office of Local Technology Partnerships--Broadband Initiative Web page 

Case Study: Clam Union Township, Missaukee County

Clam Union Township is located in a dairy farming area with 10,000 cows and 1,000 people. A large dairy concern needed daily high-speed Internet access to relay information to its parent company and was considering moving from the township because the only area Internet providers would not extend service to the township because of the high cost of the infrastructure. 

The township did a study of wireless options, and the township board agreed to purchase a $22,000 wireless tower and lease it to one of the service providers. After the tower was put in, another provider deployed DSL, but only 3 miles from the provider's facilities.

Testifying before a Michigan House committee in 2007, Clam Union Township Supervisor Bradley VanHaitsma explained that there still is work to do to extend the service throughout the township, and there are some customer service issues, but the township views the broadband service in the same category as sewer and water--a needed service for the township.

Waterford Township, Oakland County Wireless/Remote Network RFP (2004)

Wireless Oakland--Oakland County's wireless initiative Web page 

Wireless Washtenaw--Washtenaw County's wireless initiative Web page

Wireless Genesee--Genesee County's wireless initiative Web page 

On February 18, 2008, Ottawa County and iPCS Wireless, Inc. approved a partnership agreement to expand a high-speed wireless broadband network countywide. Ottawa County's Web site

Hot Spots, Cool Cities--Grand Rapids Wireless Broadband Project Web page

Michigan Wireless Internet Web page

Telecommunications Industry Association Broadband Web page

Want To Bring High-Speed Wireless Internet Connections to Your Neighborhood, City or Town?
Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine
www.bbwexchange.com

Let There Be Wi-Fi
Broadband is the electricity of the 21st century--and much of America is being left in the dark.

Private-Sector, Public-Sector, Non-Profit and Joint Wireless Service Areas in Michigan