Occam Networks Broadband Stimulus FAQ

Q: How much money was allocated to Rural Utilities Service (RUS)?
A. $2.5 billion was allocated to RUS for grants, loans and loan guarantees for broadband infrastructure.

Q: Who is eligible to receive funds from RUS?
A: The funds will allow "unserved" or "underserved" communities to take full advantage of telecommunications' digital age to improve education, boost community growth and enhance people's lifestyles.

Q: What are the requirements for receiving funds from RUS?
A: The requirements are as follows:

  • 75% of the area served must be rural
  • Preference is given to unserved areas
  • Preference is given to past or current RUS borrowers
  • Projects should be ready to start immediately

Q: How much money was allocated to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)?
A: The NTIA will be awarding $4.35 billion in funding for grants to provide the "highest broadband speed possible to the greatest population in unserved and underserved areas."

Q: Will the money be distributed all at once?
A: NO - The plan is to have 3 grant rounds to distribute stimulus money as soon as possible. However, all money must be awarded by September 30, 2010 and projects must be complete within 2 years of receiving funds.
The first grant round will be April – June 2009
The second grant round will be October – December 2009
The third grant round will be April - June 2010

Q: Can an organization apply to receive funds from both RUS and NTIA?
A: YES – an organization can apply to both programs; however RUS and NTIA cannot pay for the same piece of equipment or fund the same infrastructure investment.

Q: March 10 was the first public meeting of NTIA and RUS, when is the next public meeting?
A: There will be a series of meetings in the next few weeks. All meetings are open to the public and available via Webcast.
The dates and locations are as follows:
March 16, Washington, DC
March 17, Las Vegas, NV
March 18, Flagstaff, AZ
March 19, 23, 24, Washington, DC

For further information regarding the meetings, please refer to NTIA's web site,
www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants or the RUS web site http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/index.html
or contact Barbara Brown, NTIA at (202) 482-4374 or bbrown@ntia.doc.gov; Mary Campanola, USDA at (202)
720-8822 or mary.campanola@usda.gov.

Q: What should rural telcos keep in mind when developing their grants?
A: Rural telcos should consider the following:

  • Determine who your RUS representative is and discuss any questions you have regarding distribution of RUS funds with that person
  • Although the final definition of "underserved" and "unserved" is not yet determined, have a firm understanding about your subscriber base so you can quickly classify them when these terms are defined.
  • Once funds are awarded, be prepared to start immediately
  • Know your competition. Be aware of what other service providers are in your market and also eligible for funds.
  • Projects that deliver the most "advanced" broadband services are given favorable considerations.

Q: How is Occam helping its customers who are seeking broadband funds?
A: All of Occam's BLC 6000 platform products have received RUS Rural Development (RD) Program acceptance. The RD program loans service providers in eligible rural communities the funds necessary to secure the required equipment and facilities to build broadband networks. For a complete list of our RUS accepted products, please click here.

Q: Does Occam Work With Or Recommend Any Regulatory Counsel?
A: Occam is currently working with Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, one of the nation's leading communications law firms. Find out more about them by visiting our regulatory counsel webpage and reviewing their broadband stimulus blog posts.

To keep customers aware of broadband stimulus information, Occam is forwarding the most current information, interpreting government rulings and activities, and sharing information via Webinars, blog postings, special forums and other events. For more information or any questions related to the broadband stimulus please visit www.occamnetworks.com.