MASSACHUSETTS TECHNOLOGY PARK

The goal of the Massachusetts Broadband Mapping Project is to develop detailed and accurate statewide broadband availability and infrastructure datasets to support the development and updating of a national broadband map that will be made available to the public. This goal will be accomplished by: developing collaborative relationships and data sharing agreements with broadband providers to develop a broadband availability database; validating and enhancing the provider database through the analysis of cable strand maps, DSL-equipped central office and remote terminal locations and wireless tower locations and various modeling methods based on the transport technology; verifying broadband availability in the field through a grassroots, civic engagement component using industry experts, partner organizations, and public participation and; making the data easily accessible and useable through an innovative web-based map library, data repository, and searchable broadband map. The MBI will collect, integrate, verify and submit five substantially complete datasets to NTIA in the first quarter of 2010 with subsequent semi-annual updates. A wireline broadband availability dataset will include availability, technology and speed of wireline broadband services by census block or street segment. A wireless broadband availability dataset will include availability, technology, speed and spectrum of wireless broadband services by census block or street segment. A residential broadband speed dataset will include average nominal speed for residential broadband users for each broadband service by metropolitan and rural statistical areas. A network interconnection infrastructure dataset will include location, ownership, technology, capacity and typical speeds of interconnect points between broadband provider services and the Internet. A community anchor institution dataset will include address, current broadband subscribership, technology and typical speed for each community anchor institution in the state (e.g., public safety entities, medical and healthcare facilities, libraries, state and local government entities, schools, community colleges and other higher education buildings). The Massachusetts Broadband Planning Project will identify barriers and assets to the deployment of broadband infrastructure and broadband adoption and then develop and implement innovative solutions to overcome barriers and best utilize assets. These solutions include: developing and supporting Local Technology Planning Teams and organizing outreach efforts to engage, inform, and energize residents, businesses, and public officials; supporting municipalities in making educated decisions on broadband issues impacting their communities, including technology, siting locations, zoning, and permitting; improving access to broadband and increasing adoption rates by providing technical assistance, support and coordination to the public, community anchor institutions, municipalities, and providers and; facilitating the development of public computing centers, training programs, and other efforts to improve broadband access and adoption Additional funds were provided to support the development of a master address file. Additionally, the supplemental funds will allow for the development of a comprehensive web portal for veterans and their family members to connect them to the resources they need and make the online experience of accessing veterans' services more streamlined. It will also allow the state's community development corporations to provide technical assistance to local small businesses and non-profit organizations in order to grow and create jobs while fully integrating broadband use and computer ownership into their organizations.

Clarification of Codes