Last NTIA/RUS Public Hearing Held Yesterday, Attendees Express Views on What Should Shape Grant Eligibility Criteria

Yesterday marked the last of six sessions the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture were holding to gather feedback on the broadband initiative outlined in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the economic stimulus package). Our own Wendy Wigen of EDUCAUSE summarized what she was hearing from participants during the proceedings. She identified seven central themes people are asking that the NTIA and RUS use for judging the worthiness of broadband grant submissions. Wigen notes that the top three received the greatest mention for criteria participants think the government should use for awarding grant money.

1) Job creation- for construction and ongoing economic development
2) Timeliness of construction
3) Sustainability- people must make a sound business case, have proven ability to build and operate networks, handle upgrade and maintenance programs, and be able to leverage current resources
4) Public interest- including state government endorsement or partnership (i.e. providing service for anchor institutions, like hospitals, libraries, community and senior centers; service for the disabled; public safety)
5) Affordability- commitment to offering affordable rates
6) Speed
7) Commitment to providing ongoing network data for government mapping and research purposes.