Federal Government releases a slice of the USD $7.2 billion of Broadband Technology Opportunities

July 5, 2009 - PRLog -- “Today’s announcement is a first step toward realising President Obama’s vision of nationwide 21st century communications” say Biden.

This round, opening on 14th July, allocates USD $1.6 billion of targeted money to underserved communities, which focuses not only on broadband infrastructure, but includes initiatives that promote sustainable broadband adoption.

Mike Usmar, Executive Director of the Computer Clubhouse Trust in New Zealand, whose organisation is part of the global network of Intel Computer Clubhouses says “we are following this with keen interest, as USD $150 million has been set aside within the fund for innovative projects focused on broadband education, training, access and equipment to assist vulnerable populations”.  

Usmar has argued strongly that any 21st national broadband programme must have an equally innovative programme of funding that addresses broadband adoption and in particular in education and underserved communities.

Without this states Usmar sets up the likelihood of a “giant lemon of national fibre infrastructure”. In times where every cent of public money needs to yield the highest return on investment both in underserved communities to the most affluent communities, shows that programs such as the BTOP[1]  initiative announced by the Vice President is clear evidence of this thinking.

Released By:
Computer Clubhouse New Zealand
64 9 271 1907 www.computerclubhouse.org.nz

[1]  Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) See http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/

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The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is a creative and safe out-of-school learning environment, where young people from under-served communities work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, build confidence.