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Stimulus Broadband Feedback from Locals Solicited by Federal Government

February 26, 2009 By Andy Opsahl

Before stimulus bill broadband grants flow to local governments, the federal government is seeking input on grant requirements from "interested parties," according to the Federal Register. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will begin holding meetings on March 2 and continue until further notice. The NTIA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is distributing $4.7 billion of the $7.2 billion President Barack Obama detailed in his stimulus package for municipal broadband.

Taking advantage of the meetings is critical for local governments, warned Craig Settles, a municipal broadband analyst.

"Incumbents and large providers know about these meetings, and they'll try to dominate the process to get RFP requirements that favor them," Settles commented. "Communities and smaller providers could lose out, and as a result their economies won't benefit nearly as much as they would if communities are active participants in this process."

To schedule a meeting, call Barbara Brown at the NTIA at (202) 482-4374 or e-mail her at bbrown@ntia.doc.gov. Brown hasn't returned a voicemail from Government Technology yet asking whether "interested parties" may do the meetings via conference call.

The NTIA's $4.7 billion share of the overall $7.2 billion will fund urban and rural broadband while the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) -- part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- will distribute the remaining $2.5 billion for rural broadband exclusively.

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Broadband Stimulus Fund Requirements Released by Feds

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