MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) encourages parties interested in broadband-related technologies, infrastructure, and deployment to apply for a second round of funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus) program. Approximately $4.8 billion is available to qualified applicants nationwide. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 15.

The funding is provided by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The goal is to expand broadband access to underserved communities across the U.S., increase jobs, spur investments in technology and infrastructure, and provide long-term economic benefits.

The result is the RUS Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). BIP will make loans and grants for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas. BTOP will provide grants to fund broadband infrastructure, public computer centers and sustainable broadband adoption projects.

Applications and information may be found at www.broadbandusa.gov. For assistance with the Broadband Initiatives Program or the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, please contact the Broadband USA Help Desk by phone at 1-877-508-8364 or by email at BroadbandUSA@usda.gov