Grants

NTIA administers grant programs that further the deployment and use of broadband and other technologies in America, laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth; improved education, public safety, and health care; and the advancement of other national priorities.

The agency manages two broadband grant programs funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) (formerly called the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program). Through these programs, NTIA is overseeing an investment of approximately $4 billion in projects throughout the United States to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance and expand public computer centers, encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service, and promote statewide broadband planning and data collection activities. The State Broadband Initiative is also responsible for creation and maintenance of the National Broadband Map.

NTIA also oversees the following grant programs:

• The Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program, which helps first responders better communicate during disasters. NTIA, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has awarded nearly $1 billion to fund projects nationwide.
• The Low Power Television and Translator Upgrade Program (LPTV), which helps operators of analog low-power television stations in eligible rural communities to upgrade their facilities to digital broadcast capacity.

In addition, NTIA continues to monitor the following:

• Previously awarded grants from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), which was terminated by Congress in fiscal year 2011. This program has helped public broadcasting stations and other organizations construct facilities to bring educational and cultural programs to the American public.
• A grant to the Metropolitan Television Alliance to deploy and maintain a temporary digital television broadcast system in the New York metropolitan area.
• Grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and NTIA to the states and U.S. territories to improve 911 services.
• A grant to the Public Broadcasting System as part of the Warning Alert and Response Network.

Prior initiatives include the Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program and the Technology Opportunities Program.