Who will get broadband stimulus funds?
With $7.2 billion in broadband funds from the stimulus, and over 2,200 applicants requesting over $28 billion, the question remains: to whom will the funding be awarded?
Of the total $7.2 billion, $2.5 billion will be allocated by the Rural Utilities Services (RUS) Broadband Initiative Program (BIP), which focuses on providing broadband service for remote or underserved areas. "The RUS is looking at projects from established rural carriers that have a history of borrowing money and paying it back," writes John Celentano on the blog Telephony Online.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) will provide the remaining $4.7 billion. These funds are more likely to be awarded to schools, libraries, and public safety programs.
Other clues? The Recovery Act stipulates that the NTIA must allocate at least $250 million for programs that "encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services" and $200 million for "expanding the capacity of public computer centers."
The Baller-Herbst Law Group is collecting the recommendations made by state governments to the RUS and NTIA. These are simply recommendations, however, and the federal agencies have the final say.
Whoever is awarded the funds, Speed Matters supports the improvement of speed and access and adoption across the country.
There are reports that the first round of recipients will be announced on November 7.
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