One More Broadband Funding Round [Broadband Reports]
Yesterday, the federal agencies responsible for the government's broadband stimulus dollars announced a change in the previously announced process for awarding those dollars to build broadband infrastructure in areas of the country that currently don't have access to broadband. Earlier this year, after Congress passed the economic stimulus bill, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural Utilities Service planned three different award periods. Both agencies are currently reviewing applications from providers for the first set of awards. Yesterday, the agencies put out a press release that indicates they are merging the second and third award periods into a final, single award period.
This move is not completely unexpected, as both agencies had hinted that it was in the works and had already announced that the first round's awards would be bumped from this month to late next month. Hopefully, having one additional funding round will allow the government time to carefully assess the rules and awards for the first round and make some thoughtful adjustments for the final round. Many companies that are well poised to assist the government in its goal of providing broadband for every American decided to pass on the first round of funding due to rules for the current round, and changing those rules could encourage more participation in this important program.
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