Recovery Act: Preliminary Observations on the Implementation of Broadband Programs

Download or read book Recovery Act: Preliminary Observations on the Implementation of Broadband Programs written by Mark L. Goldstein and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2010-03 with total page 21 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Access to broadband service is seen as vital to economic, social, and educational development, yet many areas of the country lack access to, or their residents do not use, broadband. To expand broadband deployment and adoption, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided $7.2 billion to the National Telecommunications and Information Admin. (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for grants or loans to a variety of program applicants. The agencies must award all funds by Sept. 30, 2010. This testimony provides preliminary information on the challenges NTIA and RUS face; the steps taken to address challenges; and the remaining risks in: (1) evaluating applications and awarding funds; and (2) overseeing funded projects. Illus.