Today, NTIA launched its revamped BroadbandUSA website -- broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov -- to inform the public about NTIA’s work to expand broadband connectivity through educating, convening and assisting stakeholders. The new website serves as a one-stop shop for broadband information around the federal government and makes it much easier for users to find events, webinars and publications they need.
Working through the Broadband Interagency Working Group, NTIA created the site to enable federal agencies that support broadband connectivity and digital inclusion to publicize resources through a one-stop online portal. The site is intended to help communities and their private local exchange carrier and Internet service provider partners find resources and funding to support their local broadband efforts by providing information on federal resources, with links to federal grant programs that may fund broadband deployment and adoption projects.
The online portal supplements ongoing BroadbandUSA work to help local and state governments, industry and nonprofits obtain the tools they need to expand broadband connectivity and promote digital inclusion. For example, BroadbandUSA continues to assist information sharing among states through the State Broadband Leaders Network (SBLN). The SBLN provides an invaluable perspective about what is working and the barriers and gaps that persist at the state and local level. At the same time, we also hope they can serve as an important link to communities that may benefit from BroadbandUSA services, which includes technical assistance to state and local governments, industry and non-profits on a range of broadband projects.