MMTC Wants Small Business Broadband Stimulus Fund

The Minority Media & Telecommunications Council wants some of the broadband stimulus money in the second round of bidding to be set aside for minorities and small businesses. In a letter to Rural Telecommunication Service administrator Jonathan Adelstein, MMTC said that the 1% weighting for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) in the first found was insufficient. "RUS should reserve a portion of the round two funds solely for SDB use," said MMTC. If there is any of that set-aside left over, it should to bidders who can demonstrate significant SDB participation, the council said.