April 1 - June 30, 2011
Broadband Mapping:
- Availability and network interconnection data was submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on April 1.
- State broadband availability maps were updated.
- Participated in a State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grantee meeting in Dallas.
- Regional Planning Agencies (RPAs) continued to incorporate feedback on cable and DSL service areas, from the Franklin and Montachusett regions, to verify provider data.
- Additional wireless drive studies were performed on Nantucket and in central and southwestern Massachusetts to compare to provider data.
- Data submission feedback reports and verification maps were prepared for service providers.
Address File Development:
- Work began on a Request for Information (RFI) for crowd sourcing application solutions.
Broadband Planning:
- WesternMA Connect (WMC) and RPAs continued community outreach to increase awareness and engage residents, businesses and public officials.
- Initial review of municipal telecom bylaws and preliminary databases on route conditions and existing wireless and wireline facilities were completed.
- Development of educational materials for municipalities continued.
Veterans Web Portal:
- Veterans focus groups, a comprehensive needs assessment and a product requirements document were completed.
- A Request for Proposal (RFP) for a web developer was completed and will be posted in early July.
- Raised awareness of the portal project at a Run to Home Base event at Fenway Park.
- An Advisory Committee, comprised of key veterans' community advocates, was assembled to support and advise on development and roll out of the portal.
Community Development Corporation (CDC) Grants:
- Work began on a RFP to select CDCs to provide sub-grants and technical assistance to small businesses and nonprofits.