Groups seek clarity to NTIA broadband stimulus language

The deadline for applications to the NTIA for broadband stimulus grants and loans is coming up Aug. 14, and some industry groups are looking to make some last-minute changes to the rules.

The National Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Public Knowledge, Media & Democracy Coalition and Consumers Union want to see the NTIA clarify the meanings of "unserved" and "underserved" as they pertain to broadband availability, while emphasizing affordability in the meaning of underserved. In addition, the groups argue the NTIA should remove the provision that enables incumbent service providers to protest applications and the stipulation that new broadband build outs be in unserved or underserved areas.

Any changes to the rules would need to happen quickly since the NTIA has already launched the first round of bidding.

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