The Obama broadband stimulus package has been released, with $4.7 billion in loans and grants to bring broadband to unserved and underserved communities — the first round of the funding NTIA and RUS will disburse under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Total funding is $7.2 billion.
The criteria, or “Notice of Funds Availability,” (see full document here) create a detailed system for prioritizing grant applications and outline how the agencies will distribute $4.7 billion in broadband money for the NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and $2.5 billion for RUS loans and grants. Under the rules announced today for the BTOP programs, applicants that provide wholesale access to their networks at reasonable rates will be given preference for funds. Preference will also be given to networks that offer affordable services and community partnerships, among other public service goals. All recipients will have to operate their networks in a manner consistent with the FCC’s Internet Policy Statement as well as agree to “not favor any lawful Internet applications and content over others.”
Bids can be submitted starting July 14, the window closes Aug. 14, finalists to be selected by Sept. 15, at which time input from states would be solicited on those finalists.
– Many new reports and analyses. Below is one of the first to appear –
Biden Unveils Broadband Stimulus
Loan applications start July 14 for underserved ambitions
DSL Reports | 03:31PM Wednesday Jul 01 2009 | Karl Bode
Applications for loans and grants from the two agencies will be accepted starting on July 14 until August 14, according to Vice President Joe Biden, who made a PR stop in Pennsylvania today to unveil the plan. “This funding is a down payment on the President’s commitment to bring the educational and economic benefits of the Internet to all communities,” Biden said in a statement.
A broader, more substantive broadband plan has been promised for some time, and will be the major focal point for new FCC boss Julius Genachowski, who spoke yesterday (pdf transcript) before FCC employees — paying ample lip service to broadband connectivity. Back in June the government opened the door to suggestions, but isn’t expected to release the plan until this winter.
