The Feds are getting up to internet speed with the National Broadband project! Last week the two agencies work together in this arena, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) both began the process of getting the public’s input. That’s democracy in action.
The FCC released the agenda for their April 8th meeting, in which the National Broadband Plan topped their list. As Ars Technica reported: Interim FCC Chair Michael Copps said “This will be a truly inclusive process…‘all’ must mean everyone.â€
The NTIA held the first of six broadband stimulus roundtables at the Department of Commerce building in Washington, DC. to get the public’s help on their homework–writing rules to implement the Broadband Technology Oppportunities grant program.
The NTIA’s website explains the basics. Here’s the breakdown:
- The U.S. Congress has appropriated $4.7 billion to establish a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) for awards to eligible entities to develop and expand broadband services to rural and underserved areas and improve access to broadband by public safety agencies.
- Of these funds, $250 million will be available for innovative programs that encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services;
- at least $200 million will be available to upgrade technology and capacity at public computing centers, including community colleges and public libraries;
- $10 million will be a transfer to the Office of Inspector General for the purposes of BTOP audits and oversight.
• Up to $350 million of the BTOP funding is designated for the development and maintenance of statewide broadband inventory maps.
Let’s see, that adds up to $810 million. What happens to the rest? We’re sure it’ll go with internet speed!
[...] reported by Speed Matters.org , the second NTIA broadband roundtable in Las Vegas, the discussion revolved around reaching vulnerable populations, selection criteria [...]