State Broadband Initiative

NTIA's State Broadband Initiative implements the purposes of both the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Broadband Data Improvement Act, which envisioned a comprehensive program -- led by state entities or non-profit organizations working at their direction -- to help integrate broadband and information technology into state and local economies.

Through the State Broadband Initiative (formerly called the State Broadband Data and Development grant program), NTIA awarded a total of $293 million to 56 grantees, one from each of the 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia, or their designees. Grantees are using this funding to support the efficient and creative use of broadband technology to better compete in the digital economy. These state-created efforts vary depending on local needs but include programs to assist small businesses and community institutions in using technology more effectively, conduct research on barriers to broadband adoption, implement innovative applications that increase access to government services and information, and support state and local task forces to expand broadband access and adoption.

Since accurate data is critical for broadband planning, another purpose of the State Broadband Initiative is to assist states in gathering data twice a year on the availability, speed, and location of broadband services, as well as the broadband services that community institutions use. The data will be used by NTIA to update its publicly searchable, interactive National Broadband Map.

See also: NTIA's Recovery Act broadband programs