FierceBroadband: Broadband stimulus applications totaling $28 billion
So much for that perceived lack of interest in broadband stimulus funding because the major incumbents passed on applying. Nearly 2,200 bidders have applied for almost $28 billion in broadband stimulus money from both the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture's RUS fund. That is nearly seven times the $4 billion available for the program in this first round.
NTIA said the bidders committed another $10.5 billion of their own money in matching funds, which means all of these bidders are coming forward with more than $38 billion in proposed projects. The statistics show more than 320 applicants are seeking nearly $2.5 billion for broadband awareness, training, access and support. Another 360 applications are asking for a total of $1.9 billion for computer centers to expand broadband access. The remainder want funding for infrastructure projects. http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/ntia-rus-flooded-broadband-stimulus-applications-totaling-28-billion/2009-08-27