Public Interest Propose Significant Changes to Broadband Stimulus Programs

New America Foundation's Open Technology Initiative, together with a diverse consortium of 38 groups (including the Benton Foundation) responded to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Rural Utilities Service's (RUS) Request for Information regarding changes to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) grant programs. The groups, representing urban and rural regions, applicants and potential applicants, and policy advocates and community organizers, proposed over two-dozen recommendations to encourage comprehensive, collaborative projects, scalable middle mile deployments, and smaller, innovative projects. Among the key recommendations:

1) Make all submissions public and available online in their entirety.

2) Prioritize Middle Mile ''Comprehensive Community" projects.

3) Create a comprehensive understanding of "anchor institution" and support a diverse range of public computer centers.

4) Target workshops to specific disadvantaged populations and proactively create avenues for collaboration among applicants.

5) Establish a Tribal Priority for Tribal Entities seeking to serve their own Tribal lands. 6)Set aside $50 million for a small grants program consistent with the goals of BTOP.