NTIA’s BroadbandUSA Work Complementing ConnectHome Initiative

On July 15, President Barack Obama traveled to Durant (OK) where he announced ConnectHome -- a plan to bring high-speed broadband Internet to low-income housing in 27 cities and one Native American tribal community. ConnectHome is just one component of a broader Administration initiative to expand broadband and close the digital divide, and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration is playing a critical role in that effort. Working to expand broadband access and adoption is a core mission of NTIA. And for the past six years through our broadband grant program, we’ve been working with communities across the country to build high-speed networks in our most rural villages, set up computer labs in inner-city housing projects, teach critical digital literacy skills to people who may never have turned on a computer before, and so much more. We’re proud of the work that’s being carried on by our broadband grantees.

But even as the BTOP program officially comes to a close in September, we know much more work needs to be done to close the digital divide. Through our BroadbandUSA initiative, we’re leveraging the expertise we developed through these projects to continue to help other communities work through challenges as they look to expand their broadband offerings. The BroadbandUSA program is providing resources – including technical assistance, toolkits and guides – to help communities assess local broadband needs, engage stakeholders, explore business models, evaluate financing options and attract private-sector investment. We are also convening a series of regional workshops that are bringing together local government, industry and community leaders to study the broadband challenges they face and explore potential solutions. Stay tuned for more details about our next workshop September 28 in Portland (ME). We look forward to working closely with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in their future efforts to bring broadband to public housing projects.