Government moves to speed broadband stimulus

After a delay and criticism over the application process, the federal government said today it will consolidate its $7.2 billion in stimulus funding for broadband Internet into two rounds instead of three.

The first round of grants and loans for $4 billion is being considered now and will be awarded in December. The agencies overseeing the program didn't indicate when the remaining $3.2 billion in funds will be released. Administration of the funds are split between the National Telecommunications & Information Administration and the USDA...