The Recovery Act appropriated $7.2 billion and directed the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) to expand broadband access to unserved and underserved communities across the U.S., increase jobs, spur investments in technology and infrastructure, and provide long-term economic benefits. 

Please go to broadbandusa.gov to learn more about ARRA-related broadband projects

Federal Broadband and Related Programs

• Broadband Stimulus Presentation to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Conference - Burlington and Brattleboro
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)-- Broadband Telecommunications Opportunities Program (BTOP)
• USDA Rural Development Telecommunications Program. See the USDA's Rural Utilities Service's vision for implementation of ARRA rural broadband funding.

State Broadband Coordination Efforts

October 16, 2009

State priorities for BTOP funding provided to the NTIA:

• Letter from Chief Recovery Officer Tom Evslin.
• State broadband availability map.
• State broadband availability data by census block.

October 13, 2009

Vermont Telecommunications Authority has issued a Request for Proposals seeking service provider partners to provide service to unserved parts of North-Central Vermont, including preparation of a Round 2 broadband stimulus proposal.  See the RFP for more information.

July 31, 2009

Revised broadband availability data.

• Notes on map and data.
• Data package for potential applicants, including map and tabular data.

July 16, 2009

Standard service areas for last mile infrastructure applicants.

• Message to potential last mile infrastructure applicants
• Standard Service Areas (PDF)

May 21, 2009--Request

Office of Economic Stimulus and Recovery (ESR) Announces Process for Identifying Vermont State Priority Projects for Broadband Stimulus under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

March 6, 2009--Request

Office of Economic Stimulus and Recovery Seeks Input on a Coordinated Strategy for Supporting Broadband Service and Related Purposes in Vermont under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)—Responses Requested by March 20, 2009 - PDF File (14KB).  Additional Materials:

• Distance Learning, Telemedicine, And Broadband Program from ARRA - PDF File (31 KB)

• Broadband Technology Opportunities Program from ARRA - PDF File (24 KB)

• Title VI—Broadband Technology Opportunities Program from ARRA - PDF File (34 KB)

• Estimated Broadband Coverage Gaps 2010 Map - PDF File  (3 MB)

• Questions Regarding the Request for Comments Related to Broadband Stimulus Programs Issued by the Vermont Office of Economic Stimulus and Recovery 2009-03-13 - PDF File (8 KB)