By Ron Thaniel
April 27, 2009

On April 10, The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) filed comprehensive comments in response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Request for Information on how to implement the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

The BTOP allocates $4.7 billion to NTIA for the general purpose of accelerating the deployment and adoption of broadband services.

USCM’s comments stressed that local governments, under ARRA, were explicitly permitted to apply for and receive grant funding from NTIA, and the definition of “underserved” should reflect the current capabilities of America’s global competitor.

Defining “underserved” to include service at low speeds or capacity has significant adverse consequences for the development of advance communications in the U.S. and for the need to create jobs as soon as possible. In addition, the pricing of broadband services must be considered in defining an underserved area. Unaffordable broadband services are unavailable.

Other key arguments in the Conference’s comments were NTIA should work to ensure that the explicit intent of the ARRA is not thwarted by anti-competitive barriers to local government participation, and that the definition of “broadband” should be aspirational and should recognize the need for scalability and for Americans to be able to compete globally with competitors who have access to far greater speeds than the long-standing FCC definition of broadband. USCM also cautioned against NTIA surrendering its authority to the states to prioritize broadband projects.

Although it is not exactly clear when the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) will be published, NTIA has said it intends to be “open for business” for prospective grantees in the most expeditious timeframe practicable (likely in the next couple of months). The NOFA will describe the application process, the evaluation process, as well as how grantees will be held accountable. NTIA is contemplating three waves of funding to allow applicants who may not be ready at the beginning of the grant program to participate in later waves. NTIA anticipates that the first awards will be made in early fall 2009.

The Administration has set out five goals for the broadband ARRA funds. First, create jobs. Second, begin to close the broadband gap in America. Third, stimulate investment by requiring grantees that take federal money to invest their own funds as well. Fourth, start to take steps to ensure that schools, universities, libraries, community centers, job training centers, hospitals, and public safety personnel have high-speed access. Finally, encourage the demand for broadband.

Joining the Conference of Mayors on the comments were the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), the National League of Cities (NLC), and the National Association of Counties (NACo). In addition to the national association, a number of cities participated in the comments, including, but not limited to, Seattle, Philadelphia, Portland, and Charlotte.

To view USCM’s comments, go to Conference’s website at usmayors.org.