2,200 Broadband Stimulus Applications Seek Seven Times More Funds Than Available
Nearly 2,200 applications were
submitted for funding from the federal government’s broadband
stimulus program, seeking $27.6 billion in funding, out of $4.3 billion
that is available in this first of three rounds, said the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) and Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
“Applicants requested nearly seven times the amount of funding available, which demonstrates the substantial interest in expanding broadband across the nation,” said Lawrence Strickling of NTIA, which is part of the Commerce Department.
“We will move quickly but carefully to fund the best projects to bring broadband and jobs to more Americans,” he said.
“The overwhelming response we received underscores the extensive interest in expanding broadband across the country,” said Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator of RUS, which is part of the Agriculture Department. Adelstein is a former FCC Commissioner.
“Rural communities clearly recognize that broadband can expand their economic opportunities and create jobs,” he said. “The Obama Administration’s goal is to target funds to serve areas of greatest need. The big demand for loans as well as grants demonstrates that we can leverage private investment with USDA’s $2.5 billion to deliver the greatest bang for the taxpayers’ buck.”
