The maps are produced with the help of Connected Nation, a nonprofit corporation, using ArcGIS technology from ESRI. Several states already have the maps in hand to provide applicants with strong, detailed support for their cases.

Connected Nation develops broadband landscape maps that identify areas with broadband service gaps and has worked with seven states (Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia), with others under development.

The maps use ArcGIS technology to combine service data from broadband providers with household demographic information to create a complete picture of current broadband coverage gaps and development potential at the street, household, and census block levels.

ESRI's Web-enabled ArcGIS Server makes it possible to share interactive maps on the Internet, which gives service providers, businesses, and consumers a way to easily access the broadband coverage information.

Connected Nation also offers a telephone hotline for consumers without Internet access. Having served as the archetype for the Broadband Data Improvement Act state initiative grant program, Connected Nation's proven programs are seamlessly aligned with the goals and guidelines of ARRA.

"States that use GIS to create coverage maps have the data in a format that can easily be integrated into their broadband network expansion plans and grant requests," said Randy Frantz, ESRI telecommunications and location-based services industry solutions manager.

"These states will have a competitive advantage in demonstrating need during the funding application process."

Application submissions for the first of three rounds of funding are open now and close August 14, 2009. Public and private entities will compete for more than $4 billion in federal funds, which will be dispersed in the form of grants and loans to build and expand broadband infrastructure, public computing centers, and sustainable broadband adoption programs.

Federal funds are also available for states to create and maintain GIS broadband maps. Connected Nation is working with a number of states to apply for mapping funds.

"I am happy to join the state's broadband providers and Connect North Carolina to put North Carolina on the fast track with the broadband inventory map," said North Carolina Representative Bill Faison during the July 2009 release of that state's broadband inventory map.

The Connect North Carolina map contains data from more than 30 broadband providers and should provide key support for the state's application process.

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