States Seek Best Strategies on Obtaining Broadband Stimulus Funds Close-to-Home

States are poised to play an important and influential role in the new broadband programs at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. "The states bring a good deal to the table" when it comes to broadband policy, said Indiana Utility Regulatory Commissioner Larry Landis. "This is going to be a huge undertaking for NTIA, and the states can help them get up to speed relatively quickly." Landis, co-chair of a joint board proposing broadband actions by both state regulators and the Federal Communications Commission of the NARUC, points to the way that states stepped in over the past several years to fill a perceived void in federal policy-making with respect to broadband. At least 39 states have taken some steps toward creating statewide broadband policies and better access, he said.