Qwest seeks broadband stimulus grant

After dropping hints several weeks ago that it might apply for broadband stimulus funds in the second funding round, Qwest Communications today confirmed that it will seek a $350 million grant from the Broadband Initiatives Program administered by the Rural Utilities Service. As a requirement of that program, Qwest also said it would provide $117 million toward the cost of its proposed project, which would bring broadband at speeds of 12 to 40 Mbps to rural areas throughout its 14-state region.