Broadband Stimulus Notes

The NTIA and the RUS should change the broadband- stimulus notice of funds availability to promote minority and small business participation more and to lower broadband prices for vulnerable populations, the Broadband Opportunity Coalition said in a letter Wednesday to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. Projects that would serve large numbers of low-income households or promote rural deployment or adoption on tribal lands should receive higher priority than other rural efforts, the coalition said. When the RUS reviews applications for the Broadband Initiatives Program, affordability should count for as much as Internet speed, and projects to give access to consumers with scant credit history and don’t require large deposits should get an advantage, the coalition said. A Diversity Advisory Committee should be formed to provide guidance during reviews of loan and grant applications and to reduce the influence of unconscious reviewer biases, it said.