Application Requirements for the NTIA and RUS Broadband Programs

The following provides a comparison of the NTIA and RUS broadband programs in the American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the so-called Economic Stimulus bill) that was signed into law by President Obama on

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009. Both the NTIA program (total of $4.7 billion) and the RUS program ($2.5 billion) are intended

to encourage investment in and use of broadband services by awarding grants, loans or loan guarantees. While the

program requirements have many similarities, there are also many important differences that will have a great impact

on the types of applications that will be acceptable for each program. Both agencies are expected to announce rules

governing these programs within the near future. The purpose of this document is to identify the essential features of

each program based on the statutory language, past practices at these agencies, and statements by government

officials.

This document provides a comparison of the NTIA and RUS broadband programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the so-called Economic Stimulus bill) that was signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009. Both the NTIA program (total of $4.7 billion) and the RUS program ($2.5 billion) are intended to encourage investment in and use of broadband services by awarding grants, loans or loan guarantees. While the program requirements have many similarities, there are also many important differences that will have a great impact on the types of applications that will be acceptable for each program. Both agencies are expected to announce rules governing these programs within the near future. The purpose of this document is to identify the essential features of each program based on the statutory language, past practices at these agencies, and statements by government officials.

Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition Announced

The SHLB Coalition was formed to highlight the urgent need these organizations have for high-capacity and affordable broadband connections for the 21st century.  The coalition seeks to improve the broadband capabilities of schools, libraries and health care providers so that they can enhance the quality and availability of the essential services they provide to the public and serve underserved and unserved populations more effectively.

Broadband Deployment Plan Should Include Performance Goals and Measures

This congressionally requested report by the Benton Foundation discusses 1) the federal broadband deployment policy, principal federal programs, and stakeholders’ views of those programs; 2) how the policies of OECD nations with higher subscribership rates compare with US policy; and 3) actions the states have taken to encourage broadband deployment. To address these objectives, GAO analyzed the broadband policies of the United States and other OECD nations, reviewed federal program documentation and budgetary information, and interviewed federal and state officials and industry stakeholders. In developing the required broadband plan, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission should work with the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce to specify performance goals and measures for broadband deployment and to define the departments’ roles and responsibilities in carrying out the plan. FCC generally agreed with GAO’s recommendations.

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Recovery Plan

Program Purpose
BTOP will provide grant support to enable consumers in unserved and underserved areas of the United States to access broadband services.

Public Benefits
Broadband serves as an important engine for economic development, enabling communities and regions to develop and expand job-creating businesses and institutions.

BTOP Quarterly Program Status Report, May 18, 2009

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) provides this quarterly report on the status of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act or Act), (Public Law No. 111-5).

OVERVIEW of the RECOVERY ACT

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression, and includes measures to modernize our nation’s infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Welcome to BTOP at AC!

Welcome to BTOP at AC. This is your blog for news and information about the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) effort at Amarillo College. You are welcome to post comments on news, announcements or other information you see here.