NTIA to lift EAGLE-Net suspension, broadband project needs more money

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is allowing EAGLE-Net Alliance to resume the buildout of a taxpayer-funded high-speed Internet network aiming to connect the majority of Colorado's school districts, many of them in dire need of additional bandwidth.

EAGLE-Net, the much-criticized organization awarded a $100.6 million grant in 2010 as part of the broadband stimulus program, has been suspended since December after altering its rollout plans without first obtaining the required environmental approvals. Initially scheduled for completion by the end of August, EAGLE-Net will now need an additional year and about $10 million to $15 million in private financing to finish its network. "NTIA has been working closely with EAGLE-Net over the past few months to address the environmental requirements needed to get the project back on track, and it has met those requirements," said NTIA Associate Administrator Anthony Wilhelm. "We'll continue to vigorously oversee the project to protect taxpayers' investment." He added that lifting the suspension now "will allow the organization to take advantage of the spring construction season and focus on helping western Colorado school districts get access to high capacity broadband."