By Corian Zacher

Image Credit: Finley USA

On March 13, 2023, Next Century Cities filed comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) public notice about reporting requirements for Middle Mile Grant Program recipients. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in November 2021 made $1 billion available for middle-mile infrastructure funding. After the application period closed in September 2022, NTIA requested public comments on reporting requirements for awardees. 

Broadband providers across the country need accurate and transparent middle-mile infrastructure maps in order to bring high-quality, affordable broadband to communities. States like Massachusetts and Kentucky have statewide middle-mile networks, which local governments as well as community anchor institutions like schools, libraries, and hospitals, have used to improve local broadband access. 

Providing robust, transparent information about middle-mile networks can help lower the cost and decrease the time communities spend collecting infrastructure data after the fact. As states implement competitive broadband grant programs for last-mile service, the information NTIA makes available about middle-mile networks will provide an important touchpoint for applicants of all types. 

Read NCC’s March 13th letter here.