Closer to Allocating Broadband Stimulus Funds

March 10, 2009 written by John Watson

Today in D.C., agencies involved in the grant programs of the Broadband Stimulus Fund are holding the first of several public meeting to discuss how the money will be allocated.  The grants totaling $7.2 billion, part of President Obama’s economic stimulus package, are for broadband expansion and related education and training. Agencies within the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, as well as the FCC, will discuss the process of reviewing and awarding the grants. For more information on this meeting, check out this internetnews.com article.

According to this Broadcasting & Cable article, “Senators Urge FCC, Commerce To Consider Neediest On Broadband,” a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to the agencies asking to prioritize “underserved” communities when divvying up the money for broadband expansion. Signing on to the letter were Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Sam Brownback (R-Kans.), Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pat Roberts (R-Kans.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). 

Though there is still much uncertainty as to how the funds will be dispersed, this is a vital step towards increasing Internet connectivity in the U.S.