Marketplace Today Blog

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the availability of $4 billion in Recovery Act grants nationwide to help bring broadband service to unserved and underserved communities.

The grant comes from federal Recovery Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access.

The announcement was made in a news release from the office of U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen (D–Appleton).

Wisconsin companies can apply for funding between July 14 and Aug. 14.

The Commerce Department’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) will partner with states, cities and organizations across America, to bridge the technological divide in the places where private companies have thus far been reluctant to invest. The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration Monday issued initial Notices of Funds Availability related to implementation of the broadband initiatives contained in the Recovery Act.

NTIA also issued a NOFA and solicitation of applications to announce the availability of funds and provide guidelines for the State Broadband Data and Development Program pursuant to the Recovery Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act. Applications for funds made available by this NOFA will be accepted July 14 through Aug. 13.

The text of each NOFA, as well as a list of workshops and fact sheets providing summary information, can be found at www.broadbandusa.gov.