Policy Matters

NTIA and RUS Extend BTOP and BIP Deadlines for Infrastructure Projects

Today, NTIA and RUS released a statement extending the deadlines for BTOP and BIP applications for infrastructure projects.  The previous deadline was March 15^th.  NTIA extended the deadline for BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects to March 26, 2010.  RUS extended the deadline for BIP infrastructure projects to March 29, 2010.

 

The deadline for Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption applications remains March 15, 2010.

 

Last month, NATOA organized a letter to NTIA and RUS requesting an extension of the BTOP and BIP deadlines.

 

Below is the full text of the NTIA statement.

 

 

NTIA Statement:

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

 

NTIA and RUS will grant a limited extension of time to file infrastructure applications in the second funding round. Specifically, applicants for BTOP Comprehensive Community Infrastructure projects will have until March 26th to file their applications to NTIA. Applicants for BIP infrastructure projects will have until March 29th to file their applications to RUS.

 

Applications in NTIA’s two other project categories - Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption - remain due on March 15th.

NATOA Leads Over 130 Others in Filing Comments with NTIA & RUS on Broadband Grant Program

NATOA lead 130 communities and organizations in filing comprehensive comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Request for Information on how to implement the broadband grant program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  » Continue reading this entry

NATOA Invites All Communities to Sign On To NTIA/RUS Broadband Stimulus Comments

NATOA has issued a general invitation to all communities to sign on to the NTIA/RUS Broadband Stimulus comments being drafted by NATOA.  For more information,.. » Continue reading this entry

Michigan NATOA Releases Report “The Ten Disappointments of Cable Deregulation in Michigan”

The Michigan chapter of NATOA has released a 12-page report outlining the 10 disappointments of cable deregulation in Michigan and suggesting both immediate and long-term next steps for regulators and lawmakers. 

The complete report can be found here or by visiting www.makeCableBETTER.org.  

Broadband As An Economic Development Tool

NATOA has long advocated that broadband can be a very powerful economic development tool.  Presentations in this area can be reviewed here.

NATOA has also joined the call for the use of broadband as part of the nation’s economic stimulus package.  Consistent with statements from President-Elect Obama, from Speaker Pelosi and other leaders within our nation, NATOA has developed some suggestions and principles, along with related materials in that regard.  In addition, NATOA is pleased to share examples of broadband projects that could be commenced upon the receipt of funding, which will bolster the immediate economic impact to those communities. 

NATOA’s own Broadband Principles support and strengthen our resolve to help our nation achieve the broadband capacity and access it needs for the future.  Review the Broadband Principles here.