NTIA Releases Notice; Announces Additional Public Meetings

On Monday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration released a notice concerning the broadband initiatives under the economic stimulus law. The 12-page document, which was also issued with the Agriculture Department's Rural Utilities Service, puts forward a series of questions to the public regarding the implementation of the $7.2 billion in broadband funds. Among the key questions asked by the notice of rule-making are the role that states will have in the broadband stimulus funds, criterion for eligibility for grants, the mechanics of administering the grants — in general, as well as specific grants for public computer centers, sustainable broadband services, and broadband mapping. Additionally, the series of questions seeking information about financial contributions by grant applicants - to match the 80 percent from federal funds - plus reporting obligations and conducting performance evaluations of grant recipients.