Vermont Business Magazine The Public Service Department through its Division for Telecommunications and Connectivity today announced its second round of grant funding under the Connectivity Initiative to deploy broadband to under-served communities throughout Vermont. Applications for funding from the Connectivity Initiative are open to Internet service providers (ISPs). In 2015, $886,000 was awarded from the Connectivity Initiative to Comcast, FairPoint, and ECFiber. It is anticipated that approximately $556,000 will be available in this first 2016 grant round.
The Division for Telecommunications and Connectivity was created in 2015. Since July, Division staff have traveled to communities in all regions of Vermont to hear from constituents about challenges associated with the deployment of high speed Internet in their localities, and to recommend solutions and action steps. The Department hopes to match ISPs with municipal or community organizations that have already generated grassroots interest and are committed to broadband expansion.
“We are pleased to offer this round of grants to enhance our broadband capabilities” said Christopher Recchia, Commissioner of the Department of Public Service. “We especially look forward to proposals that partner with local communities to advance the local and statewide goals” he added.
Division Director Jim Porter heard from many legislators and community members that access to broadband is essential to creating and sustaining vibrant local economies; is a critical component of a healthy housing market which provides funding for education; and is an absolute necessity to attract more young professionals and families to Vermont. “We have heard from local communities and think this offer is the best way to leverage their desire for faster broadband with the funds we have available” Porter said.
The request for proposals for 2016 Connectivity Initiative Grant Award funding is available at this link:
http://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/2016-connectivity-initiative-rfp
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