The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) and the Agriculture Department, the two agencies charged with doling out $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus money, held a series of hearing in Washington last week to help the agencies come up with guidelines as to how to give out the money. The meetings highlighted just how complicated the process is.
In addition to figuring out how to determine who qualifies for the money, how they apply, who can review the grants and then who gets money, the agencies also have to determine what their definition of broadband is going to be.
During a session on Thursday, a panel discussed whether the agencies should set a minimum speed. Should it be 200 kbps or something higher? The cable industry argued against any mandatory speeds because it may be at a disadvantage to its telco competitors.
Others argued that setting a low minimum speed would be the only way to ensure that a workable business model is created.
For more:
- take a look at Broadcasting & Cable [1]
Related articles:
Is your company broadband stimulus ready? [2]
Government officials offer some insight on broadband grants [3]
Congress approves $7.2B for broadband stimulus [4]
Links:
[1] http://telephonyonline.com/external.html?q=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/190318-Washington_Hearing_Drives_Home_Complexities_in_Awarding_Broadband_Stimulus_Money.php
[2] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/your-company-broadband-stimulus-ready/2009-03-19
[3] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/government-officials-offer-some-insight-broadband-grants/2009-03-11
[4] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/congress-approves-7-2b-broadband-stimulus/2009-02-16