The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced availability of $4.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and loans to expand broadband access and adoption in America. This is the second funding round for the agencies' broadband programs.
NTIA and RUS also announced the rules for applying in this funding round, which have been modified to make the application process easier for applicants and better target program resources. The rules are presented in two separate but complementary Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) that promote each agency's distinct objectives.
The agencies plan to accept applications from February 16, 2010, to March 15, 2010, and announce all awards by September 30, 2010.
To view the Round Two NOFAs, visit:
NTIA BTOP NOFA (116 pages)
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2010/FR_BTOPNOFA_100115.pdf
RUS BIP (68 pages)
http://www.broadbandusa.gov/files/RUS%20Round%20Two%20NOFA%20Final.pdf