Letter to Massachusetts Federal Delegation on Broadband Investment White Paper

Dear Colleague,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am attaching a copy of a white paper on the broadband investment provisions in the economic stimulus package prepared by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), working with a group of state broadband entities. The paper was submitted to President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid last night.

As Congress begins to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, I wanted to make you aware of MBI’s positions on the following broadband-related issues:

• The conference should provide the full $7 billion of broadband funding agreed upon by the Senate.
• The bulk of broadband funding should be made available through competitive grants rather than through loans.
• The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, rather than the Rural Utilities Service, should administer the competitive grant program.
• The broadest possible participation from state entities should be facilitated by building flexibility into any requirements for matching funds. While Massachusetts is well positioned with our bond funding, to make this legislation work for all states any match requirements should be minimal, accommodate in-kind rather than cash contributions, and include a process that allows public entities to apply for waivers.

I thank you for your efforts on behalf of the Commonwealth, and especially for your advocacy on behalf of those residents of the Commonwealth who are currently without broadband service. Should you or your staff have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at (508) 870-0312 x 1475.

Sincerely,

Donna Baron
Program Director
Massachusetts Broadband Institute