The NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs has launched a second round of funding aimed at bringing high-speed broadband service to unserved and underserved locations around New Hampshire.

A request for proposals was issued on Sept. 30, the agency said. It comes on the heels of a review of applications in the first round, for which up to $50 million will be awarded. Under the second round, no more than $40 million will be approved. The funding is being provided under the NH Broadband Contract Program.

In a statement, Gov. Chris Sununu said the two rounds combined will result in connections for more than 30,000 locations with more than 20,000 served in Round 1 and another 15,000 expected for Round 2.

“It is clear there is more capability from internet service providers to get us closer to our goals of increasing access to high-speed internet across New Hampshire,” BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell said.

The Broadband Contract Program is designed to support local ISPs in providing provide internet service to the most rural parts of the state lacking internet service.

As in the first round, the second round of awards will prioritize applicants that encourage the maximum number of locations to be served at the lowest cost and broadband networks that will be owned, operated by or affiliated with local governments, nonprofits and cooperatives. — JEFF FEINGOLD