Gigabit Libraries Network: "Beyond the Walls" Awards

Tens of millions of people in the US rely solely or in part on public libraries to access Internet. Libraries are crucial in connecting communities. With TV WhiteSpace technology people can connect beyond library walls. The “Beyond The Walls” Awards will provide five $15,000 grants to libraries for the most innovative proposals to use TV WhiteSpace (TVWS) technologies to enable new library hotspots in the service of their communities.

TVWS uses the unused spectrum in the TV bands. It can deliver broadband to a hotspot miles away, even passing through trees, buildings or other obstructions. Installing TVWS hotspots can improve your community’s resilience by adding another communication capability for disaster preparedness. The first round of applications will be considered on a rolling basis with March 6 as the first round cutoff. If your library meets the necessary criteria, we will work with you to put together a project plan. Winners will be announced at the end of April 2017. The application will open February 6, 2017. You will be able to edit your answers at any time.