SWRPC has begun inventorying and mapping the high-speed (broadband) Internet infrastructure of the region, as a member of the New Hampshire Broadband Mapping Program (NHBMP). The NHBMP is a joint project of the NH Regional Planning Commissions, NH GRANIT at the University of New Hampshire, and a variety of other state agencies. The NHBMP is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to develop a national map of broadband availability. The purpose of the program is to identify the areas that are unserved or underserved by broadband access, and assist in future broadband expansion projects.

Currently, SWRPC is contacting Community Anchor Institutions (schools, colleges, hospitals, libraries, public safety agencies, and government offices) to inventory the current Internet service at these locations. In addition to surveying these institutions, the service area of each of the 60-plus Internet service providers in the State is being mapped. This initial effort will be delivered to the Department of Commerce in Spring 2010, with updates occurring every 6 months through 2012.

Each RPC will be working within its region to create broadband stakeholder groups to identify ways to expand the broadband availability within the region. While this specific project does not provide funds for broadband access expansion, there has been an announcement of additional funds to bring broadband to unserved areas. It is expected that the results of the mapping effort will be used to identify priority areas for funding broadband expansion projects.

For more information, please contact Michael Blair by clicking here or call 603-357-0557.