Q: What is the 2008 Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA) and what does it mean to your state and local government?

A: The Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA) was signed into law by President Bush on October 10, 2008 (Public Law 110-385). Specifically, it (a) established official federal government support for state-based public-private partnerships to expand broadband, and (b) established a new federal grant program, funded through the 1st stimulus bill, to help states fund broadband expansion initiatives.

The US Department of Commerce was charged with implementing the grant program established in the BDIA. States are eligible to apply for grants to fund 80% of the cost of a statewide broadband expansion initiative which meets program requirements. The 20% match can consist of any non-federal funds, and states can chose to partner with a non-profit organization to implement this initiative.

The new federal grant program as established in the BDIA will fund statewide broadband initiatives that achieve five (5) key components:
1. Creation of a statewide provider map through a gap analysis (infrastructure audits). The map must be to the street / housdehold level.
2. Conducting of ‘market research’ to determine state and local broadband use, and identification of barriers to broadband adoption.
3. Creation and facilitation of local technology planning teams to produce ‘tactical business plans’ for improved technology use.
4. Generation of collaboration between the public and private sectors to encourage broadband deployment and adoption, and
5. Creation of programs for improved computer ownership and Internet use in low-adoption areas

Municipal Solutions, LLC is experienced in work with states and local governments in developing comprehensive Public Broadband Strategies. For the last 5 years, our Communications Assessments, Infrastructure Assessments and Market Research have been an essential component of our Communications Strategic Plans.

For more information, visit us at http://www.municipalsolutions.org/content/?page=telecom or contact us for a free worksample.