Agencies unveil broadband stimulus changes

Under pressure from Congress and telecomunications providers, the Agriculture and Commerce departments announced today that they are taking several steps to streamline the $7.2 billion broadband stimulus program, including combining the remaining second and third rounds of funding into one.

The loans and grants are designed to extend deployment to unserved and underserved regions of the country. "This will get the funds out the door faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs," Jonathan Adelstein, administrator of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service, said in a written statement. "It gives applicants and communities a greater opportunity to come together to form networks," he added.

Responding to concerns about red tape associated with the program, both agencies are requesting comment on ways to streamline the application process and better target the remaining funds. Input is being sought on whether eligibility criteria for the most generous grants offered by the RUS are too restrictive, preventing the money from reaching many rural areas that need assistance.