NTIA reports to Congress on broadband stimulus programs | Telecompetitor

In the wake of experiencing a greater than expected volume of grant applications for the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, the National Telecommunications & Information Administration on August 17 submitted its first quarterly report to Congress.

As set out in the ARRA, BTOP grants are to be awarded to shovel-ready broadband projects. Completed applications filed by the August 20 deadline will be reviewed by at least three expert reviewers against established criteria, according to the NTIA, which has been busy selecting and preparing reviewers. Application scores are to be averaged, with the best qualified applications forwarded for further consideration. Results of the initial review phase are expected no earlier than September 14, 2009, according to the report...