September 21, 2010 -- The Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI) has announced the award of the VT Broadband Website Contract to a Team led by Applied Geographics, Inc. (AppGeo) of Boston, MA. The Team also includes Signal Advertising of Montpelier, VT. In coordination with the VT Broadband Mapping Team, Applied Geographics will be working to establish an online website, named BroadbandVT.org, to provide broadband related information, maps, and resources for Vermonters. The BroadbandVT.org website will provide access to broadband information, including maps, for public use through online web-based tools. One of the roles of the AppGeo Team will be to develop a distinctive brand and design for the site.

AppGeo has a wealth of previous experience in the provision of high quality GIS and IT consulting services, and has been active in the development of state and federal GIS related services and implementations across the country, including the Vermont Commercial/Industrial Site Locator Website for the VT Department of Development (VT DED). AppGeo is also currently working with our teaming partner, the Sanborn Map Company in the states of Washington, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Georgia and Massachusetts to develop custom statewide broadband web applications to support broadband availability mapping, connection speed testing, and other services. Signal Advertising has created web solutions for businesses such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, Smugglers Notch Resort, Citi Performing Arts Center, and Zutano.

The Vermont Broadband Mapping Team is working to develop a comprehensive and verified geographic inventory of broadband service availability in the State of Vermont. Landline and wireless services (fixed and mobile) will be mapped, including wireless voice and data with information from the providers and other sources. The broadband mapping information collected and verified through this effort will then support the broadband development objectives identified in the Rural Utilities Service's Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) in Vermont. Most importantly, the geographic inventory will further refine our understanding of the location of 'unserved' and 'underserved' areas in the state, thereby supporting targeted future investments in these areas. The mapped broadband coverage information will also be provided to the public for their use in determining the availability of broadband resources in the state.

The Broadband Data and Development Grant was awarded by NTIA in October 2009 to the Vermont Broadband Mapping Team composed of VCGI, the VT Department of Public Service, University of Vermont (UVM) - Center for Rural Studies, VT Telecommunications Authority and the VT Enhanced 911 Board. NTIA's Broadband Data and Development Grant is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. More information on the NTIA Broadband Data and Development grant may be found at http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/SBDD.

About Applied Geographics, Inc.
Applied Geographics, Inc. (AppGeo, www.appgeo.com) has been providing high quality GIS services and innovative solutions to government and private sector clients since 1991. AppGeo empowers its customers to put GIS to work through the practical and intelligent use of geographic data and applications, improving work flows and increasing beneficial services for people in organizations and communities throughout the nation. AppGeo provides a full range of GIS consulting services: GIS strategic and implementation planning, data development, custom applications, training, cartography, implementation assistance and technical support. AppGeo services are available through a variety of state blanket contracts and nationwide through its GSA IT Schedule 70.