Chris Cherry, Pitney Bowes Business Insight
The Federal government has allocated $7.2 Billion in stimulus funds for use in expanding broadband infrastructure in un-served and underserved areas across the United States. Applications for funding are due August 14, 2009.
To apply, enterprising telecom companies must complete a 39-page application and supply very specific information about the markets they will serve. This information includes maps of areas to be served as well as data on numbers of households, population, population density, and average income—all at the Census Block level. The data must illustrate both market need and market type, and companies must demonstrate that 75% or more of the funds they receive will be used in rural areas.
Previously, the effort required to compile this level of precise data could have been overwhelming. Today, however, Pitney Bowes Business Insights (PBBI) is making this aspect of the application process simple. We offer “Demographic Data Bundles” specifically designed to compile and present the required maps and Census Block Level Data for these applications.
Dozens of telecom providers have approached us since news of the stimulus funds application came out, and many are already using this solution to garner their fair share of these much-needed funds. It’s very exciting for us, because not only are we helping them turn these applications around faster and more painlessly, we’re showing them how location intelligence can help them identify where to grow their businesses and do so most profitably.
Time is running out. Information on the application for broadband infrastructure funds can be found at http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/.
To learn more about PBBI’s Location Intelligence Solutions and Demographic Data bundles, click here or give us a call us at 1-800-FAST MAP (1-800-327-8627).
