Yesterday, the government announced that the broadband stimulus process would be shortened to two rounds of funding rather than the initially planned three.  According to a WSJ article by Amy Schatz, this was a “response to criticism from applicants and lawmakers that the program isn’t getting money out quickly enough.”

I am very pleased to see the government’s continued willingness to be flexible with this program.  I see this as another proof point of the NTIA and RUS’ dedication to making the stimulus as effective and efficient as possible for all involved – from applicants and government officials to the businesses and consumers in underserved/unserved areas across the country. 

In fact, per a Washington Post article by Cecilia Kang, Jonathan Adelstein, administrator of the RUS noted, “We are listening to applicants, reviewing applications received, and all indications suggest a need to revisit the application process.  We will consider changes … to make the process more ‘applicant friendly’ — from beginning to end.”

I think the streamlined process will accomplish three key goals:

• Getting the funds out to grant winners more quickly
• Enabling the winners to roll out networks and create jobs to support the projects sooner
• Speeding up the delivery of broadband connectivity to the underserved/unserved areas 

For the next two weeks, applicants will also be able to offer suggestions to the NTIA and RUS to further simplify the next (and now final!) round through the agencies’ Request for Information (RFI).  The streamlined process will also require us all to focus on ways to provide broadband to the greatest number of underserved – especially the urban underserved where significant job creation opportunities exist.  I am encouraged that the RFI process will allow for greater awareness on this issue and intend to provide feedback.

Both Schatz and Kang’s articles also noted the first round of grants announcements are on track to start in December.  I will, of course, continue to keep a close eye on the program and look forward to seeing the results in a few weeks.

What do you think about the newly streamlined program?  Do you have any suggestions for the government for the next phase?