The bill is split into two parts with $4.7 billion be distributed through a program run by the Commerce Department. The other $2.5 billion will be distributed thought the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Department.
The bill calls for the funs to be completely distributed before the deadline of September 30, 2010, to projects that can be completed in two years. The main goal of the program get broadband internet to rural areas that currently have little to no internet access.
Here is the exact definition the bill states:
The NTIA’s “Broadband Technology Opportunities Program” is intended to “award competitive grants to accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and to strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits,”
Also the legislation requires the FCC create a national broadband plan to ensure that everyone in the U.S. has broadband access within one year.
Looks like this will be great news to anyone who currently does not have broadband internet and any company that works on installing broadband lines.
