Broadband Providers Demand for Stimulus Funds

Broadband Providers Demand for Stimulus Funds

According to the National Telecommunications Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the applications for stimulus funds have already reached 2,200. The requests amount to $28 billion worth of broadband schemes, which is quite a huge number compared to the $4 billion worth of grants offered by the US government. 
 

Most of the applications were for infrastructure projects, accounting to 1,490 or $23.2 billion worth of broadband projects. There were also 320 applications for broadband education, awareness, training and support. Another 360 applications were received for computer center expansions. Both agencies announced they will be designing an online database for more details on all the applications submitted.

 

"The overwhelming response we received underscores the extensive interest in expanding broadband across the country. Rural communities clearly recognize that broadband can expand their economic opportunities and create jobs,"  RUS administrator Jonathan Adelstein said.

 

The government has alloted $7.2 billion for broadband stimulus funds that should be spent over the next two years. The NTIA was allocated $4.7 billion, while the remaining $2.5 billion was apportioned to the Department of Agriculture.