South Dakota Awarded Grants for Broadband Mapping & Broadband Planning

South Dakota and BroadMap Will Deliver Comprehensive State-wide Broadband Availability Map

(Pierre, SD) December 28, 2009—Today the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that South Dakota will be receiving $1.39 million for a broadband mapping grant and a $500,000 planning grant. The Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT) has partnered with BroadMap, through the One Economy Corporation, to create a state-wide comprehensive broadband availability map measuring current Internet access coverage, unmet demand and to provide a systematic and verifiable mapping solution for the state.

"Our cross-functional team, led by the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications, will create a map to help us better understand how to expand broadband Internet access throughout South Dakota," said BIT Commissioner Otto Doll. "By leveraging BroadMap's digital mapping experience and the accuracy of their data solutions, our map will enable us to hopefully bring higher Internet connection speeds across South Dakota. Arming these communities with equal access to information and the key technologies that are driving today's economic growth will better equip our workforce to compete in this digital society, retaining business and creating more local jobs."

The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) has allotted $7.2 billion for the development and expansion of broadband nationwide, $350 million of which is set aside for the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA) to enable States and Territories to develop granular and transparent broadband serviceability maps.

"These maps will allow consumers to understand broadband options available at the address level. To maximize the benefits of these broadband maps and advance adoption rates in the unserved and underserved communities, a portion of the funds can also be attributed to broadband planning, including programs to understand the barriers to adoption, drive technology awareness and educate communities through digital literacy programs," said Commissioner Doll.

"Our background in compiling multiple layers of real-time location and broadband serviceability data makes our mapping solution a good fit for the state of South Dakota," said Michael Evers, President and COO of BroadMap. "This has been an area of expertise for us since the early days of broadband. Our maps will help South Dakota's leaders to reach those who are unserved and underserved by broadband service, and help all of South Dakota's people to better understand their options."

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BroadMap provides government, non-profit and commercial business partners with custom-fit Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions. Originally founded by industry veterans to address emerging broadband mapping needs, BroadMap is now a driving force in digital mapping products and services. By matching the demand for innovative GIS solutions with an agile business model and visionary leadership, BroadMap continues its rapid growth by competing for and winning high-profile business.

Assembling top GIS talent to address our customers' most pressing GIS needs has allowed BroadMap to generate new jobs and establish itself as both a community and market leader. BroadMap's highly regarded technology team brings nearly 300 years of combined mapping experience across multiple industry sectors. This expertise allows BroadMap to enhance customer value through comprehensive, accurate and current digital maps and GIS solutions, while it continues to expand into data aggregation/verification, data conversion and consulting services.

BroadMap is uniquely equipped to help diverse enterprise customers address their GIS challenges. BroadMap is headquartered in Glen Allen, VA, with a Technology and Sales office in Lebanon, NH. www.broadmap.com.

The One Economy Corporation is a global nonprofit that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to unserved and underserved populations. One Economy is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has offices across the country and around the world. www.one-economy.com

Media Contact:

Leslie Burns
Communications Manager
BroadMap
804-767-1576 direct
804-306-5803 mobile
leslie.burns@broadmap.com