The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is responsible for doling out some $4.7-billion of the $7.2 billion in total broadband stimulus money, has delayed its submission and grant schedule by about three months.
According to GigaOM, the NTIA has shifted the date it will begin to issue funds. In an announcement late last week, the agency said it would accept grant applications in September and begin awarding funds in December, contradicting a previous statement released two months ago that said the first funding distributions could come as early as June.
According to analyst Craig Settles, the delay will likely help many of the larger metro areas and municipal efforts around broadband because they'll have more time to put together a sustainable business plan. In fact, it could be good news for all parties vying for money.
For more:
- see GigaOM [1]
Related articles:
Broadband stimulus mayhem
[2]NTIA seeks input on broadband stimulus money [3]
Links:
[1] http://gigaom.com/2009/05/21/government-delays-broadband-grants/
[2] http://www.fiercewireless.com/ctialive/story/broadband-stimulus-mayhem/2009-04-02
[3] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/ntia-seeks-input-broadband-stimulus-money/2009-02-25