SEC. 6000. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents of this title is as follows: TITLE VI—BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM
Sec. 6000. Table of contents. Sec. 6001. Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
SEC. 6001. BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM.
(a) The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information (Assistant Secretary), in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (Commission), shall establish a national broadband service development and expansion program in conjunction with the technology opportunities program, which shall be referred to as the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that the program complements and enhances and does not conflict with other Federal broadband initiatives and programs.
(b) The purposes of the program are to—
(1) provide access to broadband service to consumers residing in unserved areas of the United States; (2) provide improved access to broadband service to consumers residing in underserved areas of the United States; (3) provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support to— (A) schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, and other community support organizations and entities to facilitate greater use of broadband service by or through these organizations; (B) organizations and agencies that provide outreach, access, equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband service by low-income, unemployed, aged, and otherwise vulnerable populations; and (C) job-creating strategic facilities located within a State-designated economic zone, Economic Development District designated by the Department of Commerce, Renewal Community or Empowerment Zone designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or Enterprise Community designated by the Department of Agriculture; (4) improve access to, and use of, broadband service by public safety agencies; and (5) stimulate the demand for broadband, economic growth, and job creation.
(c) The Assistant Secretary may consult a State, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States with respect to— (1) the identification of areas described in subsection (b)(1) or (2) located in that State; and (2) the allocation of grant funds within that State for projects in or affecting the State.
(d) The Assistant Secretary shall—
(1) establish and implement the grant program as expeditiously as practicable; (2) ensure that all awards are made before the end of fiscal year 2010; (3) seek such assurances as may be necessary or appropriate from grantees under the program that they will substantially complete projects supported by the program in accordance with project timelines, not to exceed 2 years following an award; and (4) report on the status of the program to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, every 90 days.