Broadband

Message from Dave Lingren, ICN's Executive Director

Thank you for visiting the Iowa Communications Network's (ICN) Recovery Act web page. This web page is a communication tool for information about broadband infrastructure components of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or Recovery Act) of 2009. The page was created to keep Iowans, and all Americans informed about how ICN is investing broadband funds received from the Recovery Act.

Investment in broadband infrastructure will help bridge the digital divide and achieve goals of creating jobs, improving economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for Iowans. ICN's Bridging the Digital Divide for Iowa's Communities broadband initiative will increase bandwidth capabilities for web-based applications and provide for partnering possibilities with the private sector.

There is a lot of work to do in a short timeframe. Please continue to check the web page as it will be updated when more information is available.

Overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(Recovery Act)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The Recovery Act has three goals.

	Create new jobs and save existing ones.
	Spur economic activity and invest in long-term growth.
	Foster accountability and transparency in government spending.

Overview of the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) $4.7 billion to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service, and develop and maintain a nationwide public map of broadband service capability and availability.

Specifics Relating to ICN's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Grant:

	Information About the Project
	Project Summary
	Executive Summary
	Tribes Served
	ICN's BTOP Briefing Page

	Plans and Reports
	Environmental Assessment
	Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
	BTOP Federal Project Reports
	For more information on reports visit www.broadbandusa.gov

	ICN Information
	Press Release, July 2010: ICN Receives Federal Broadband Grant
	Press Release, February 2011: ICN Achieves Broadband Milestone
	An ICN article included in the "Tenth Quarterly Status Report Update to Congress Regarding BTOP" - September 2011.
	ICN's Bidding Opportunities Page
	Administrative Rules
	Iowa Code, Chapter 8D

	Other Information
	USDA Press Release, April 2011: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Broadband Investments To Spur Job Creation and Economic Opportunity in Rural America
	DigitalLiteracy.gov Designed to increase digital literacy and lifelong learning skills that help Americans navigate this new Internet-based economy.

ICN adheres to the nondiscrimination, interconnection and network management policies required by Iowa Code, Chapter 8D and the ITTC Administrative Rules.

The Recovery Act

Federal Broadband Information

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Federal Broadband Awards impacting Iowa

Iowa Broadband Deployment Governance Board

Iowa Interactive Broadband Map

ICN's US Broadband Google Map

News:

On April 20, 2011, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced support for telecommunications projects in seven states to improve broadband service to rural residents and businesses.

"Investment in broadband technology will create jobs across the country and expand opportunities for millions of Americans. Broadband provides the opportunity for rural Americans to receive improved educational services, health care, and public safety. These USDA broadband loans provide rural communities the level of financial assistance required to make them full partners in the digital age and keep them competitive on a local, national and global level," said Vilsack.

Press Release

On February 22, 2011, ICN received its Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) notification for its Environmental Assessment (EA) that was submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The EA assists NTIA in determining the extent to which the project may impact environmental, cultural, or historic resources.

ICN wants to take a moment to explain the benefits that Iowans will receive from its federal broadband grant awarded in July 2010.

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