Doling Out the Dough: First Phase of Broadband Stimulus Spending Begins

"The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which was signed into law last month, includes a total of $7.2 billion in stimulus funds for broadband -- including $4.7 billion for the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA)’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, and $2.5 billion for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

"The details of how that money will be allocated, however, could use some clarification.

"To help eligible companies understand the procedures, the NTIA, the RUS and the FCC are holding the first of what is expected to be a series of joint public meetings tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10th, at the offices of the NTIA. The meeting agenda can be viewed here [PDF file].

"In the meantime, the basic structure of the broadband stimulus is relatively straightforward -- and unlike earlier drafts, it includes only grants and no tax credits."

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