10:00 am EDT: Roundtable on Private Sector Eligibility
1:00 pm EDT: Roundtable on Coordination with NTIA and RUS on Broadband Initiatives
2:45 pm EDT: Roundtable on Innovative Programs to Encourage Sustainable Adoption of Broadband Service and Expanding Public Computer Center Capacity
Webcasts can be accessed at:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/video.html
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( 3 / 137 )Occam has been following the Broadband Stimulus Package (BSP) - since the hints at its inclusion in the ARRA surfaced. There's been no shortage of information and perspectives from analysts, regulators and even equipment suppliers.
The viewpoints we're most interested in, however, are those of our customers. And while the NTCA and OPASTCO organizations have done a good job representing the collective view of rural operators, it never hurts to hear first hand assessments from customers on what the BSP means to them.
During last weeks Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA), I had an opportunity to engage with customers and consulting engineers alike. Both offered their perspectives on what the BSP means to them.
Here are some data points that I thought were worth highlighting:
- Everyone I spoke to is anxious to see how DC defines 'underserved' and 'broadband.' These definitions are critical in terms of defining which technologies are used, whether or not FTTH architectures will be funded and which communities will be built out with BSP funds.
- Consulting Engineering (CE) firms are still processing RFPs and overseeing projects already in the construction phase. To paraphrase an Engineer I spoke to at the MTA Associate Member mixer, "we're still recommending that our clients build FTTH networks independently of the ARRA."
- RUS is seen as the likely organization that many MTA attendees are looking to for ARRA fund distribution. While some may apply for BSP funds through the NTIA, many attendees are somewhat comfortable with the RUS application process and may stick with what's comfortable.
- Now is NOT the time to be complacent. The ARRA window of opportunity is relatively short and service providers are arming themselves with project information, broadband coverage details, capital investment requirements and other details needed for RUS and NTIA applications. Though the application formalities are not yet known, it's never too early to gather information.
As Occam and our customers uncover the BSP details, navigate process challenges or celebrate broadband successes, we will post information on this Blog page or somewhere on the Occam BSP website.
If you have a comment or would like to share details of your experience with the BSP or RUS & NTIA applications, Occam welcomes your commentary on this blog.
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( 3.1 / 138 )Since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or Stimulus Bill in short) was approved in February, we have known that there is $7.2B set aside to invest in U.S. Broadband. And while the Bill provided some guidelines and priorities for project selection, the real work of defining terms and selection criteria lies ahead for the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture.
This past Tuesday, March 10, the first of several planned public workshops was held in Washington, DC to begin to sketch out the details of the program. While much work remains, the government outlined a strategy of three or four Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA) with the first one expected to be April to June 2009, and a second from July to September 2009. The stated goal is to begin funding awards within the following 60 to 90 days.
Representatives of NTIA and RUS also made clear that all 50 states are to receive funding for at least one project, and that funding will be for projects that "would not have gone forward without ARRA monies".
Another key purpose of the meetings was to "stimulate the stimulus". The Government wants people to begin putting together their business cases now, and lining up the 20% of project costs not covered by the Stimulus funding. They did not state a date or final format for submittals, but they want to ensure they have a large quantity of quality projects from which to choose.
A brief summary of the meeting, and questions about the Broadband Stimulus that were submitted prior to the meeting on Tuesday can be found at the NTIA website
The public meeting on Tuesday was the first of a series they have announced, with the goal to receive a significant amount of public comment before rule making is complete. All comments must be submitted by April 13th.
Occam encourages you to work with your State and National Associations to provide public comment and ensure the needs of rural America are illuminated. Now is the time to speak into the process.
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( 3 / 137 )This is the first entry in our blog we hope you enjoy the informative up to the minute info we'll be providing here.
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