Rhaas
Premium
join:2005-12-19
Bernie, MO
|  BBSF (Stimulus Fund)
The first application filing window will open July 14 at 8 AM (Eastern Time) and close on August 14 at 5 PM (Eastern Time).
Approximately $4 billion of program level funding has been allocated to this NOFA; the remainder will be made available under subsequent NOFAs.
NTIA will distribute $1.4 billion in grants to fund broadband infrastructure, public computer centers and sustainable broadband adoption projects.
RUS will distribute $2.4 billion in loans, grants and loan/grant combinations for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas.
The term “broadband” is defined as: “two-way data transmission with advertised speeds of at least 768 kbps downstream and at least 200 kbps upstream or providing sufficient capacity in a middle mile project to support the provision of broadband service to end users.”
The term “rural area” is defined as: “any area, as confirmed by the latest decennial census of the Bureau of the Census, which is not located within 1) a city, town or incorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants or 2) an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants.
The term “unserved area” is defined as: “a proposed funded service area, composed of one or more contiguous census blocks, where at least 90 percent of the households lack access to facilities-based, terrestrial broadband service, either fixed or mobile, at the minimum broadband speed as defined above.”
A proposed funded service area is considered “underserved” if at least one of the following factors is met: 1) No more than 50 percent of the households have access to facilities-based, terrestrial broadband service, at greater than the minimum broadband speed as defined above; 2) No fixed or mobile broadband service provider advertises broadband transmission speeds of at least 3 Mbps downstream; or 3) The rate of broadband subscribership for the proposed funded service area is 40 percent or less of the households. |
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JKM
join:2009-06-08
Seymour, MO | Thanks Rhaas. I just received the info on release of funding last night. I hadn't looked up the definitions of their key terms yet. This is helpful. |
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GTOV8
join:2006-02-04
47894
1 edit | reply to Rhaas
HOW does one apply? Where do the applications get sent to? Is there a form to fill out? Does anyone know the exact process?
The RUS web site says all the grant apps closed June 14 |
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cephlon
join:2005-11-03
Ocean View, HI | »broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/index.htm |
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GTOV8
join:2006-02-04
47894
| reply to Rhaas
Looks like any corporations are out ...
Eligible Applicants:
a) Entities that are either (i) an agency or instrumentality of a state, or a 385 municipality or other subdivision (or agency or instrumentality of a 386 municipality or other subdivision) of a state; (ii) a nonprofit organization that is 387
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that is 388 exempt from taxation under Section 501(a) of such Code; or (iii) an independent 389 agency or commission in which an office of a State is a member on behalf of the 390 State; and
(b) The single eligible entity in the State that has been designated by the State
So the money is all going to a state "entity" and being distributed from there. The application process apparently is not for private corporations.
Am I missing something? |
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webformix
join:2009-01-25
Bend, OR
2 edits | GTOV8, you are incorrect. Private entities, including corporations can take advantage of BTOP and BIP funds. Please read the NOFA located @ »broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/index.htm
In particular, review lines 556 through 574 of the NOFA regarding who's eligible to receive funds. |
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iansltx
join:2007-02-19
Golden, CO | reply to Rhaas
I'm going through the NOFA (about 35% done, will probably finish on the plane today). I'll post a few-page summary soon afterward. |
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JKM
join:2009-06-08
Seymour, MO
| reply to Rhaas
I've been working on it since June 12. If it is anything like the grant application that closed June 14, you will need to tie in community service items to score high. Things like community centers with broadband computers, service to first responders, schools, libraries or townships of less than 500. At least this one does not require you have a small city without high speed internet as TELCO DSL has that pretty well covered in my area. I do have a township of 248, 3 miles from my location. The application details are forthcoming. They are behind as the information was supposed to be out in June. This application process is supposed to cover both grants and loans to simplify the application process. That's scary.......we all know what happens when the government simplifies things! |
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