Commerce Dept. investment to expand broadband access in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas

APRIL 19, 2010 -- The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act $28.6 million grant to increase broadband access and adoption by funding the build-out and deployment of more than 680 miles of a new fiber-optic network in 35 communities in portions of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The project intends to connect more than 70 community anchor institutions--including city halls, police stations, fire stations, libraries, schools, and a hospital--directly to the broadband network.

With this grant, Allegiance Communications plans to deploy broadband technology to an estimated 12,700 households and 230 businesses in the four-state region. It will be the first time wireline broadband service faster than dial-up is offered in most of the affected communities. Allegiance also plans to upgrade communications for public-safety organizations to improve storm warning systems and first responder efforts.

NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded by the Recovery Act, provides grants to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure, enhance, and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service.