NTIA Seeks Advice On Broadband Data and Mapping Grant Program

The Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration is seeking public and agency feedback on proposed information collection for the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program, according to a Federal Register notice dated December 3. The notice states that written comments must be submitted on or before February 1, 2010.

The broadband program seeks to assist projects that seek to gather and verify state specific information on the availability, speed, location, technology and infrastructure of broadband services. “The data will be used to develop publicly available state-wide broadband maps and to help populate the comprehensive and searchable national broadband map” that NTIA is required to create by February 17, 2011.

“Despite the importance of broadband to the U.S. economy, information about broadband availability is currently lacking. The data collected will provide critical information for grant-making, regulatory and policy-making efforts, improve the quality of State-level broadband information, and help ensure map accuracy,” according to the notice.

NTIA is seeking comments on whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility, among other issues.