BTOP’s Quarterly Report Describes Progress and Closeout

Pete CodellaBroadband

BTOP quarterly reportOn February 5th, The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released its most recent quarterly report updating the status of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).  The report summarizes activities between April, 1-June, 30 of 2015, and it indicates BTOP initiatives are coming to close.

Of the $4.7 billion appropriated to the NTIA for BTOP, Utah received approximately $147.2 million to fund infrastructure projects, sustainable adoption programs, and to fund the Utah Broadband Project, before it was transitioned to the Broadband Outreach Center. The purpose of the original Broadband Project funding was to collect broadband data and develop our broadband maps. The center will continue those activities as a state program.  Nationwide, BTOP funds were also used to support  education, healthcare, and public safety agencies.

BTOP had already exceeded subscriber and community anchor institution goals for fiscal year 2015 prior to the quarter’s start.  The report indicates slowed but ongoing progress towards FY 2015 network miles goals.  Reports are made available to the public on a delayed basis, so a final evaluation of BTOP’s progress on key goals for FY 2015 is not currently available.

As of June 30, 2015, 212 recipients of BTOP grants had completed their activities and 12 recipients were still working towards completion.  The NTIA will continue to monitor and assist in the closure of these grants to ensure proper documentation has been submitted.  BTOP’s remaining funds, approximately $227.9 million, have been allocated to Public Safety and a few ongoing State Broadband Initiatives.  Beginning in 2012, BTOP began working with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), to ensure that their remaining funds could be used in conjunction with FirstNet’s goals.

The BTOP Quarterly Program Status Report can be found here:

https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ntia_btop_26th_qtrly_report_02.02.16.pdf

A summary of grants awarded in Utah can be found here:

https://www2.ntia.doc.gov/utah