KERRY, DELAHUNT, MCGOVERN, FRANK, LYNCH, PATRICK ANNOUNCE CAPE BROADBAND INITIATIVE TO RECEIVE $32 M OpenCape Corporation will receive $32 million in federal funding as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunity Program
BigNews.Biz - Mar 02,2010 - Senator John Kerry and Congressmen William Delahunt, James McGovern, Barney Frank and Stephen Lynch, together with Governor Deval Patrick today announced that the non-profit OpenCape Corporation will receive $32 million in federal funding as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) and with $8 million dollars in matching funds, the total investment in the region will be $40 million dollars.
The funding will allow OpenCape to build critical middle mile capacity for the Cape Cod region. The open access network will create opportunities for jobs, economic diversification, and regional efficiencies in government. It will support broadband options for anchor institutions, enable last mile providers to reach un- and underserved areas, and offer an emergency network in this hurricane-vulnerable region.
“This is a gigantic shot in the arm for the Cape and an excellent example of the Recovery Act in action. I’ve been a broken record for years about universal broadband and this is part of getting to that goal. Our community and our congressional delegation came together to construct a model proposal for a regional broadband initiative with widespread benefits and I sent multiple letters of support for the project. I’m very grateful to Secretary Locke and his team for their hard work. On the Cape, too many people still don’t have access to broadband service, the network requires redundant services to provide for public safety, and our community college and research institution needs have lagged behind due to a lack of capacity or high cost. This investment will make high-quality service available across the Cape, make us more competitive, help create jobs and boost our economy,” said Senator Kerry.
"This project will literally bring hundreds of real jobs directly to southeastern Mass. through its construction and operation, while boosting our economy and providing expansion opportunities to Woods Hole, and our schools and business that have been held back by infrastructure limitations in the region," said Delahunt. "OpenCape is an essential element of the future economic development of our region and will lay an important foundation for job creation for years to come.”
“This is great news for economic development for South Coast communities like Fall River, as well as the Cape,” Rep. McGovern said. “Access to cutting-edge communications technology is absolutely essential for us to compete in the global 21st Century economy. I want to commend Sen. Kerry for his strong leadership on this issue.”
"This project yet another example of how the Recovery Act is providing near term stimulus coupled with a vision towards the future by providing the region with an improved telecommunication infrastructure that will reap many long-term economic benefits,” said Congressman Barney Frank.
“The internet is now a necessary and critical component of everyday life. This funding will expand and improve access to broadband, making our public institutions and public safety networks more efficient, while making our businesses more competitive and creating jobs for the region,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said. “I am pleased to see stimulus funds
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