BTOP Comments

Point of Contact

2009-07-01T22:00:00Z

A former colleague has contacted me and has interest in the BTOP grant application process.  To whom shall I direct his call?  Thank you.

Bill Fleming
Deputy Director
Office of the Secretary
Office of Human Resources Management
202 482 4807

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FW: Information request

2009-07-01T21:00:00Z

From: Jenny Council [mailto:Jenny@netcorps.org]
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 3:41 PM
To: broadbandusa
Subject: Information request

Your website refers people to a FAQ page for information.  The FAQ page actually contains no information, and actually no Questions!  just 2 headings with links, which are in so much jargon that I have no idea what they mean.

The website has no information on the program, it's purpose, goals, no information on who is eligible for funding, or for what kinds of projects, absolutely no overview whatsoever.  This is one of the poorest websites I've seen for a decade.

I want to know about the program in general, who is eligible to apply, how the community can get involved in bringing broadband services to rural areas.   I notice that there are workshops, all located in large metropolitan areas, and the closest well over 1000 miles away.

Please post information on this website that the general public can understand, and also send me a copy of some overview materials.

Sincerely
Jenny Council
Southern Oregon Program Manager

NetCorps

[file:///C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\Jenny\My%20Documents\My%20Pictures\NC-logo.gif]

Jenny Council
Southern Oregon Program Manager

Higher Education Center
101 S Bartlett St
Medford, OR 97501
(541) 951-7201

1245 Pearl St
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 465-1127

July Workshop

2009-07-01T21:00:00Z

Hello,

I have registered for the July workshop in Boston.  I do not find
information about the times for the workshop.  Can you provide the start
and end times?  I apologize if it's there I just can't see it.

Thanks, Phil

Phillip Lindley
Executive Director
ConnectME Authority
138 State House Station
Augusta, ME  04333-0138

E:  phil.lindley@maine.gov
P: (207) 624-9970
C: (207) 441-0498
W: www.maine.gov/connectme/

FW: late comments on grant application

2009-07-01T21:00:00Z

From: Alan Wallen [mailto:arivaca.com@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 3:48 PM
To: broadbandusa
Subject: late comments on grant application

Hi,

Is there someone there that can discuss my concerns?
I submitted the following on the online comment form:

After reading the grant application guidelines, I am struck by the lack monies available for accounting.  Even in the awarding of this (BTOP) program's funding, congress had the good sense to send some money to the GAO to make sure of the accounting and accountability of the program. While large corporations already have massive accounting departments that can easily handle the paperwork generated by receiving a grant, most small businesses will have trouble filing the appropriate documents, because there is no money available in the grant to pay for such.  Therefore, expect many applications from medium to large companies; I think most of the small companies can't afford your grants.
Many small internet providers have found their niche in communities that are not profitable enough for large corporations. While not wanting the burden of the rural internet user, but also not able to compete in these areas with the small rural ISP, large corporations can use these grants to try to drive their only competition out of business.
While this comment is filed after the deadline for comments,  I hope that it may still be read and give one pause, as I believe driving small business out of business was not the intent of federal stimulus package.

------------------

my home phone is 520-398-3009
I think a change in the guidelines that encourages the applicant to list the cost of grant administration in their grant proposal would allow many smaller businesses to apply and actually succeed in securing these grants.

Here is a quick and crude "real world" example:
If I apply for $100,000 to upgrade backhaul facilities so that I can expand my business over the next 3 years from 100 customers to 1000 customers.  I won't actually see a real revenue boost for at least 1 year after the grant money is received.  But to administer the grant and file all of the paperwork involved, I will need to hire an accountant.  Even the cheapest accountant I know would not work for less than $30,000 per year.  So, the actual cost of the grant should be listed as something like the following:

                  Backhaul upgrade

equipment
  cisco this ..................... $10,000
  routers that ................ $8,000
  media converter .........$2,000
  whatever else ..............$50,000
--------------------------------------------
                                           $70,000
Labor
    trenches ....................$20,000
    construction..............$10,000
---------------------------------------------
                                         $30,000

Administration
    grant application ......$5,000
    monthly reports ........$15,000
    accounting services ..$10,000
----------------------------------------------
                                           $30,000

Grant total $130,000

---------------------

Thanks for your time,
Alan Wallen

BTOP Workshop times

2009-07-01T21:00:00Z

I signed up for the BTOP workshop in the Washington, DC Area at the Gaylord
National Resort & Convention Center on July 7.  But, I noticed there is no
information on what time the workshop starts.  What is the start time?





Jess Posey
CEO & President
TelePulse Technologies Corporation
Tel: 1-856-264-3961
  jessposey@telepulsetech.com

BTOP Workshops

2009-07-01T21:00:00Z

I may not be able to attend the workshops re the Broadband NOFA.  Is it
possible to listen to the workshops via teleconference or on line
access?  If I have specific questions on the NOFA, who should I contact?

 

Thanks

 

Mark Molisani

Government Grants Officer

Visiting Nurse Service of New York

1250 Broadway

New York, NY 10001

Voice: 212-609-7278

Email: mark.molisani@vnsny.org

Federal Stimulus funds

2009-07-01T21:00:00Z

I want to chime in on problems with at least one Internet Service
Provider I'm sure is eager to get their hands on our $.  Charter
Communications has for years abused its customers by providing poor
customer service, low quality of service, and an overall lack of
concern for customer opinions.  I've even been illegally threatened
to have my service terminated for complaining to upper management
(I'm happy to provide you with a copy of that letter and the
subsequent chats I had with a lawyer in the NC AG's office who
resolved it).  Charter has decided that it will force customers to
pay $140/month for broadband if they don't want to worry about how
much they download and have failed to provide any tools for those of
us who refuse to pay their extortion to monitor how much we've
used.  Charter also fails to provide advertised bandwidth, even when
testing from their own speed servers.

Please do NOT give ANY of my $$$ to ANY ISP that decides that they
are going to extort $ from paying customers for bandwidth usage.

Sincerely,
Brian S. Bergin

157 Piney Creek Ln
Boone, NC 28607-5114
(828) 265-1234

http://www.bergin.us

PACE Adult Computer Literarcy/Broadband Technology Training

2009-07-01T21:00:00Z

Hi - we are wanting to submit a Proposal for ARRA moneys for continuation of our computer/broadband classes. I was told the 'rules' came out today and I'm looking for that document and application. Can you help me out please? Thanks so much.

Carolyn

Carolyn D. King, Th.D
Orchard Place - PACE Juvenile Center
Executive Assistant
620 8th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
* 515-697-5705 - cell: 515-208-9203
* 515-697-5701
*cking@orchardplace.org

"If we treat others as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they should be, we help make them become what they are capable of being." JohannW.VonGoethe

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FW: July Workshop

2009-07-01T20:00:00Z

From: Byrne, Jacqueline [mailto:JByrne@COMMPROD.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 3:13 PM
To: broadbandusa
Subject: July Workshop

I just registered 2 individuals to attend a July workshop in the Washington DC area at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on July 7.  The confirmation does not provide starting/ending times.  Could you please let me know the schedule as we will be flying from Indianapolis, IN.

Thank you.

Jackie Byrne
Human Resources
Communications Products, Inc.
7301 E. 90th Street, Suite 111
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone:  317-595-7879
Fax: 317-596-7938

Web Form Comment

2009-07-01T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	na
Law firm:	na
Attorney:	na
Email:	arivaca@qwestoffice.net
Address:	na
	na
	Arivaca, AZ 85601

After reading the grant application guidelines, I am struck by the lack monies available for accounting. Even in the awarding of this (BTOP) program's funding, congress had the good sense to send some money to the GAO to make sure of the accounting and accountability of the program. While large corporations already have massive accounting departments that can easily handle the paperwork generated by receiving a grant, most small businesses will have trouble filing the appropriate documents, because there is no money available in the grant to pay for such. Therefore, expect many applications from medium to large companies; I think most of the small companies can't afford your grants.
Many small internet providers have found their niche in communities that are not profitable enough for large corporations. While not wanting the burden of the rural internet user, but also not able to compete in these areas with the small rural ISP, large corporations can use these grants to try to drive their only competition out of business.
While this comment is filed after the deadline for comments, I hope that it may still be read and give one pause, as I believe driving small business out of business was not the intent of federal stimulus package.

Grant Info

2009-07-01T16:00:00Z

Sirs

   We are rural Internet Provider in NW Illinois.  We are trying to reach users that live outside of the urban areas of Jo Daviess and Stephenson  Counties.  We would like to know of any grant opportunities available in our region.  We have sold dial up Internet for 10 years and now are providing broadband to our customers.

Regards

Bill L Williams
Jedi Computing
102 S Main St
Stockton, IL  61085
815-947-2074

2009-07-01T15:00:00Z

Will the NOFA be released today?  If so, do you know when and will it be
on the NTIA website?

Glenn S. Richards | Partner 
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP 
Tel: 202.663.8215 | Fax: 202.513.8006 | Cell: 301.518.1994 
2300 N Street, NW | Washington, DC 20037-1122 
Email: glenn.richards@pillsburylaw.com 
www.pillsburylaw.com  


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2009-07-01T15:00:00Z

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Web Form Comment

2009-07-01T15:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	M van de SDandt
Email:	mvandes@q.com
Address:	PO Box 172
	Mead, CO 80542

Please add me to your mailing list for BTOP and RUS Broadband grant information and applications updates.

Web Form Comment

2009-07-01T15:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	James Sprayberry
Email:	msprayberry@tcsd.k12.ms.us
Address:	15355 Brownsferry Rd
	Sarah, MS 38665

I am a school teacher in a rural area. We have only dial up in our area. It is very slow. It is difficult to do any type of school work online. There are resources that I could use if I had more time and was able load at high speed. When will the broadband grant be avalible for this area.
Thanks, James Sprayberry

Web Form Comment

2009-07-01T15:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	34 Russell Road
Email:	jwguzzo@hvwisp.com
Address:	34 Russell Road
	Albany, NY 12205

My company currently operates in Upstate New York and provides Broadband access (Fixed Wireless) to rural parts of Columbia, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Washington and Warren Counties.
We are interested in applying for the grants to expand coverage to unserved areas. Many local communities have pledged their support in helping us to apply for the BTOP grants.

The grants are intended to support rural (unserved) communities. Wireless is a preferred method in deploying affordable “Last Mile” access in rural areas.

Unfortunately most Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP’s) do not have the lobbying power to obtain these grants.

The Cable, Incumbent Telco, CLEC and Cellular operators usually have the political influence to obtain the grants. Old politics aside, we hope that local service providers will be given the same opportunity as the larger incumbents and Cellular companies.

We recommend that the grants be administered to the companies that best demonstrate the ability to:

1. Create a sustainable business model
2. Provide affordable broadband access to Unserved areas (Low Monthly Rate)
3. Provide extremely affordable access to underserved areas
4. Deliver service to the most subscribers at the lowest cost (Lowest cost per Subscriber)
5. Provide FREE access to Public Safety, Educational and Government Agencies
6. Deploy services quickly and easily

Web Form Comment

2009-06-29T18:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	CTIA – The Wireless Association®
Email:	bjosef@ctia.org
Address:	1400 16th Street, NW
	Suite 600
	Washington, DC 20036

Please see attached letter.

Attachments

090629 - FILED Broadband Mapping Letter.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-29T18:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gerald Philipp
Email:	gphilipp@golng.com
Address:	22588 Vineyard Circle
	Mattawan, MI 49071

Please add me to your mailing list for the upcoming grant projects and recovery funding information.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-29T01:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	JMONDAK@MSN.COM
Email:	JMONDAK@MSN.COM
Address:	POB 9520
	CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ 85227

ANYBODY NEED A DESERT CONTACT W/OVER 35 YEARS TELECOM EXP. CONTACT ME: JMONDAK@MSN.COM 480-296-1747

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-06-27T02:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	jacob
Address:	jack@ibsgg.com
	touire,tuinisia, OTHER 7112

it's realy hard in this time to get low fee loan,bank are surcharged and government try to give a hand
to the economy so all is out of control,loan is still the last solution to get out from this.
<a href="http://www.fastrealestate.net/usa/?p=130">loan modification</a>

Web Form Comment

2009-06-26T23:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara C. Wedeman, President, Behavioral Economics Consulting Group
Email:	sara@behavioraleconomics.net
Address:	8327 Germantown Avenue
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

I have two quick questions:

1. I notice that many people have written in asking to be put on your mailing list. Is there a mailing list, or is the RSS feed its functional equivalent? If there is a mailing list of which I am not aware, please add me to it.

2. When will RFP's (AKA NOFA's) be issued? Are there deadlines for the submission of information, and if so, what are they? Are there any other submission requirements of which I am not aware? If so, I would be grateful if you could add me to any mailing list or tell me where - online or off - I can access this information.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Sara Wedeman

Web Form Comment

2009-06-26T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	600 Mountain Ave.
Address:	jmarinho@alcatel-lucent.com
	Murray Hill, NJ 07974

Please see attachment

Attachments

062609 Alcatel-Lucent Letter.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-26T19:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Carol C. McDonough, Ph.D. Professor of Economics
Email:	Carol_Mcdonough@uml.edu
Address:	5 Comanche Place
	Andover, MA 01810

Comments are attached

Attachments

broadband grant.doc

Response to Claims Made by Infinera

2009-06-26T18:00:00Z

On behalf of Alcatel-Lucent, please see the attached file.

Thank you,

John A. Marinho
Alcatel-Lucent
Vice President
Americas Region
Public Affairs
600 Mountain Avenue
Room: 6A-308
Murray Hill, NJ 07974 USA
Email: jmarinho@alcatel-lucent.com
Phone: +1-908-582-6150
Mobile: +1-201-572-8024

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Web Form Comment

2009-06-26T18:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Carl Watson
Address:	BTOP@ntia.doc.gov
	GREENVILLE, SC 29611

BTOP Committees,
Hello my name is Carl Watson, I would like for my company, Innovative Technology, to be considered to participate in the BTOP grant program. Innovative Technology trains unemployed people in South Carolina to prepare them for careers with AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast Communications, and any other low voltage wiring companies. At the same time, we plan to hire 70% of all the trainees. We train using the BICSI ITS manual, we focus on the duties of BICSI installer 2, but realize when we go to take the test they can only take the Installer 1 certification, because of a two year in the field rule. Innovative Technology is registered for state, county and city procurement and actively seeking partnerships with commercial builders and custom home builders.
The BTOP program would be a very good asset for us and we would be a great asset for the program, we would have almost unlimited number of qualified workers and could handle all of South Carolina with pride and zeal.
Thank You
Carl Watson
Innovative Technology
135 Commons Way
Greenville SC 29611
864-269-7770

Web Form Comment

2009-06-26T18:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Wes Rosenbalm
Email:	wesr@bvub.com
Address:	15022 Lee Highway
	Bristol, VA 24202

Please see attached letter.

Attachments

Buy American Letter 6.3.2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-26T18:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Anthony Puorro, FACHE, FHFMA, President
Email:	apuorro@roselandhospital.org
Address:	45 West 11th Street
	Chicago, IL 60628

In signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, President Obama made clear his desire to have funds expeditiously made available to the American people, business and industry toward economic recovery.
We at Roseland Community Hospital are concerned that the Broadband Techmology Opportunities Programs'dollars have not been made available at this time and wish to register our concern on the timeliness of RFP process and our continued interest in this program.
Please let us know as soon as possible about the timelines, availability and grants making process for these dollars, as well as the related regional grant workshops. We would also request that we be added to the distribution list as follows:

Anthony Puorro, FACHE, FHFMA
President
Roseland Community Hospital
45 West 111th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60628

Thank you for consideration.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-26T18:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Lawrence Sarjeant
Email:	lawrence.sarjeant@qwest.com
Address:	607 14th Street, NW
	Suite 950
	Washington, DC 20005

Please add me to your electronic distribution list for all press releases, announcements and notifications concerning the BTOP and the RUS Recovery Act broadband grant, loan and loan guarantee program.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-24T11:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	STSLLC
Email:	sfeld@stsllcchange.com
Address:	1719 Noyes Lane
	Silver Spring, MD 20910

submitted as attachment.

Attachments

Broadband plan filing (NTIA).doc

Web Form Comment

2009-06-23T19:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tracy Jenkins Winchester
Email:	tjwinchester@colourstv.org
Address:	200 Quebec St., Bldg.600, Ste.209
	Denver, CO 80230

CoLours TV is a multicultural, non-profit, cable and satellite network distributed in 17 million tv households nationwide. We would like to be included on your distribution list for the grant application process and all rules and information pertaining to the ARRA 's adoption of broadband services for the underserved. Thank you.

RE: NTIA & RUS RFP and app submission Date Status

2009-06-23T17:00:00Z

We are hoping to release the Notice of Funds Availability by the end of
this month or early July.
 

Mary Campanola
Outreach Coordinator
USDA Rural Development
Rural Utilities Service
Telecommunications Program
202-720-8822 (voice)
202-720-0810 (fax)
mary.campanola@wdc.usda.gov



 

________________________________

From: Alfred Barr [mailto:abarr@communik.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:15 AM
To: BTOP@ntia.doc.gov; bbrown@ntia.doc.gov; Campanola, Mary -
Washington, DC
Subject: RE: NTIA & RUS RFP and app submission Date Status
Importance: High



Ms. Brown and Campanola;

 

During a teleconference today with DMS of Florida, there was mentioned a
release of dates for potential release of information.

 

In my review of the NTIA web site, 
http://www.ntiadoc.gov/broadbandgrants/index.html
  , I am not able to
find any updates after May 18, 2009.

 

Can you provide us with options to review updated information on actual
or prospective dates for release of information and or of projected
application submission or RFP releases.

 

 

Thank you

 

Alfred Barr
Managing General Partner
Global Wireless Communications

Formerly VCS Interactive, LLC
550 N. Reo Street, Suite 300
Tampa, FL  33609
813-767-2270 - Cell phone
Web Site - www.communik.net

 

 
 

 

 

 

Click Hyperlink for video demo

  http://www.communik.net/?pagename=video_clip
 

 

*** Non-Public: For Internal Use Only ***

 

This transmission in its entirety are private and confidential.  Any
reproduction of the information contained is prohibited.  Any person
receiving this transmission by unauthorized parties or error, should
immediately destroy or delete this transmission.  This communication is
not a solicitation for investment.  Any use of this information without
the direct consent of the author, of this transmission is prohibited by
law.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-06-23T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Stephen L. Goodman
Law firm:	Butzel Long Tighe Patton, PLLC
Email:	SGoodman@ButzelTP.com
Address:	1747 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
	Suite 300
	Washington, DC 20006

Last week ADTRAN's CTO met with OPAD staff to discuss developments in broadband access technologies. The attached slides were the basis of the presentation. Although not specifically addressing the NTIA broadband grant program, ADTRAN is submitting this material into that record out of an abundance of caution, because some of the materials may be relevant to this proceeding.

Attachments

Access Technology Presentatioin 6-09.pdf

RE: NTIA & RUS RFP and app submission Date Status

2009-06-23T16:00:00Z

Ms. Brown and Campanola;

 

During a teleconference today with DMS of Florida, there was mentioned a
release of dates for potential release of information.

 

In my review of the NTIA web site,
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/index.html , I am not able to find
any updates after May 18, 2009.

 

Can you provide us with options to review updated information on actual or
prospective dates for release of information and or of projected application
submission or RFP releases.

 

 

Thank you

 

Alfred Barr
Managing General Partner
Global Wireless Communications

Formerly VCS Interactive, LLC
550 N. Reo Street, Suite 300
Tampa, FL  33609
813-767-2270 - Cell phone
Web Site - www.communik.net




 

 

 

 

Click Hyperlink for video demo

   
http://www.communik.net/?pagename=video_clip

 

*** Non-Public: For Internal Use Only ***

 

This transmission in its entirety are private and confidential.  Any
reproduction of the information contained is prohibited.  Any person
receiving this transmission by unauthorized parties or error, should
immediately destroy or delete this transmission.  This communication is not
a solicitation for investment.  Any use of this information without the
direct consent of the author, of this transmission is prohibited by law.

Attachments

Notifications of Public Meetings

2009-06-23T15:00:00Z

Please be advised that Rural Broadcasting Service (RBS) working on
behalf of Rural Community Broadcasting Service (RCBS) a 501(c)3 Non-
Profit Corporation dedicated to the expansion and implementation of
Rural Broadband Capability in all Rural areas of Louisiana, wish to
participate and engage with the BTOP initiative to take full
advantage of resources made available to bring rural Louisiana areas
into the 21st Century Broadband Technology World.

RBS has implementing and tested technology capabilities in Rural
Louisiana, for the past five years. Please Visit the RBS web site at
http://www.rbs100.com and review the "WHO WE ARE" for a brief
synopsis of who we are and our goals and objectives. Then view our
"RBS Viewing" which is our sample content airings. As you can see we
are an ideal candidate for the potential BTOP Funding initiative.

If we can provide further information,, please contact us.

Respectfully,



Bill Depew
Rural Broadcasting Service
225-784-1013

Contact Via: honda190@w.cn

2009-06-23T15:00:00Z

1,750,000GBP was awarded to you by the Honda Company, Send us your Name,Address,Tell/Sex,Country.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-23T00:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	CTIA - The Wireless Association, et al.
Address:	Christopher Guttman-McCabe
	1400 16th Street, N.W., Suite 600
	Washington, DC 20036

SEE ATTACHED LETTER REGARDING AVOIDING UNNECESSARY DELAYS IN DEPLOYING BTOP-FUNDED BROADBAND FACILITIES.

Attachments

Joint Association Letter to Locke.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-22T22:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Temple Strategies
Law firm:	Temple Strategies
Attorney:	Joel Bernstein
Email:	jb@templestrategies.com
Address:	2120 L Street, NW, Suite 850
	Washington, DC 20037

Please see the attached letter from Jagdeep Singh, CEO of Infinera Corporation, regarding the Buy American provisions of ARRA, and correcting some information on the record about the U.S. broadband manufacturing market.

Respectfully,

Joel Bernstein
On behalf of Infinera Corporation

Attachments

Infinera letter to NITA and RUS (June 22) .pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-22T19:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Garry forger
Address:	1077 North Highland Ave
	Tucson, AZ 85721-0073

Please add me to the mailing list. gforger@email.arizona.edu

Request to be put on email recipient list for underserved broadbant area grants

2009-06-22T16:00:00Z

Dear NTIA -



The state of Oregon asked us to participate in a grant process regarding the
telecom grant provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment ACT
(ARRA).  We received a letter from Oregon state (Govern Kulongoski's office)
stating that NTIA and USDA (RUS) are still reviewing the grant rules for
these projects.



We would like to make a grant filing when the rules become available.  Call
Plan has been a carrier in Oregon since 2002 and has the experience to
deploy a successful broadband project to benefit Oregon state.



Thanks -



Nathan Wilson

General Manager, Call Plan USA

Mobile: (480) 606-8212

Verizon Hub Phone: (623) 255-3205

Email: nathan@cptg.com

Email: callplanusa@q.com

Web: http://www.CPTG.com

Add to NTIA mailing list

2009-06-21T05:00:00Z

Please add me to your mailing list for the upcoming grant projects and recovery funding information.

Thank you very much.

Robert Ebert
robert@rio.com
503-577-8323

--

Robert Ebert

VirtualDesign.com
r.ebert@virtualdesign.com
503-577-8323

Web Form Comment

2009-06-19T19:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Terra Verde Advisors LLC
Email:	paul@terraverde.us.com
Address:	1170 Butterfield Road
	San Anselmo, CA 94960

Please add me to your electronic distribution list for all press releases, announcements and notifications.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-18T22:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Attorney:	Jason Goldman
Email:	jgoldman@uschamber.com
Address:	1615 H Street, NW
	Washington, DC 20062

Please see the attached letter from R. Bruce Josten, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, urging the Rural Utilities Service to adopt rules that would award Rural Development Broadband Program grants and loans funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on an expedited basis to reputable applicants who demonstrate that they have ready-to-go projects that will bring broadband to unserved areas.

Sincerely,
Jason Goldman

===

Jason D. Goldman
Counsel, Telecommunications & E-Commerce
Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs Division
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20062
Tel: 202-463-5949
Fax: 202-887-3445
E-mail: jgoldman@uschamber.com

Attachments

U.S. Chamber Urges Expedited Process for RUS Broadband Stimulus Funding.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-18T22:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Attorney:	Jason Goldman
Email:	jgoldman@uschamber.com
Address:	1615 H Street, NW
	Washington, DC 20062

Please see the attached letter from R. Bruce Josten, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, urging the NTIA to adopt rules that would award Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grants funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on an expedited basis to reputable applicants who demonstrate that they have ready-to-go projects that will bring broadband to unserved areas or spur broadband adoption.

Sincerely,
Jason Goldman

===

Jason D. Goldman
Counsel, Telecommunications & E-Commerce
Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs Division
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20062
Tel: 202-463-5949
Fax: 202-887-3445
E-mail: jgoldman@uschamber.com

Attachments

U.S. Chamber Urges Expedited Process for NTIA BTOP Funding.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-18T03:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bala Sankar
Email:	california.bala@gmail.com
Address:	4104 Thain Way
	Palo Alto, CA 94306

When economists say "recession" people panic.
When economists say "The Economy is in Depression," people jump out of windows.
But the truth is, economists are much like sports commentators. They are not players in the actual game.

The players are the innovators. Innovators build the future. Innovation creates wealth. The truth is, Innovation is in Recession. Innovation is in Depression.
So, what's the turn-around strategy? Create and inspire more innovators...
The Opportunity: The U.S. Congress reserved $4.7 billion to establish a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
The Path: Web On-The-Go.
A Forecast of Innovations for the Wireless Web World. A Must Read for Tomorrow's Innovating Managers. Reveals innovation's vulnerabilities and opportunities. And how to recognize innovation's dynamics, emergent patters, and predictability. Learn how innovation's real purpose is Not a function for profit, but...a function of freedom.
This book presents innovative ideas via with fictionalized examples about the Wireless Web On-The-Go.
It is a book for all executives, engineers and general public.
Title: Web On-The-Go.
Subtitle: A Preview of The Way of Living in the Wireless Web World.
Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv9sxJdy-io
eBook now available at: http://tinyurl.com/web-on-the-go-ebook

RE: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

2009-06-17T14:01:00Z

We are still working on it.  We expect to publish it by the end of June
or beginning of July. 


Mary Campanola
Outreach Coordinator
USDA Rural Development
Rural Utilities Service
Telecommunications Program
202-720-8822 (voice)
202-720-0810 (fax)
mary.campanola@wdc.usda.gov
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Abraham [mailto:charles.abraham@satius.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 5:49 PM
To: Campanola, Mary - Washington, DC
Cc: btop@ntia.doc.gov; bbrown@ntia.doc.gov; press@ntia.doc.gov;
Fletcher, Jay - Washington, DC
Subject: Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

Mrs. Campanola:

Any update on the Notice of Funding Availability for broadband and Rural

Area broadband grants?

Regards,

Charles Abraham

, Mary - Washington, DC wrote:

>We have not yet finalized our program.  The program requirements will
be
>included in a Notice of Funding Availability which will be published
>this summer.  It will be published in the Federal Register and on our
>website at www.usda.gov/rus/telecom
>
>Thank you for your interest. 
>
>
>Mary Campanola
>Outreach Coordinator
>USDA Rural Development
>Rural Utilities Service
>Telecommunications Program
>202-720-8822 (voice)
>202-720-0810 (fax)
>mary.campanola@wdc.usda.gov
> 
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Charles Abraham [mailto:charlesabraham@earthlink.net] 
>Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 1:23 PM
>To: Charles Abraham
>Cc: btop@ntia.doc.gov; bbrown@ntia.doc.gov; Campanola, Mary -
>Washington, DC; press@ntia.doc.gov; Fletcher, Jay - Washington, DC
>Subject: Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products
>
>Dear Sir:
>
>
>Please help us to show you our new products to validate its performance

>for broadband last mile communication and for rural areas broadband
last
>
>mile communication.
>
>Satius developed a unique and patented products, called AC-WAN, that 
>communicates as a "REAL PLUG AND PLAY" device for the last mile 
>broadband communication needs without any installations.
>
>AC-WAN communicates over the power line and through any size 
>transformers and between all 3 phase power lines without any 
>installations for the last mile communication needs.
>
>AC-WAN a true "Plug and Play" device since each unit just have to be 
>plugged into the 120V AC outlet. No installation needed to communicate 
>within a large building or between buildings or communicate the last 
>mile needs without installations and with stable high  thru put speed.
>
>These applications include Internet and Ethernet video, TV
broadcasting,
>
>and more.
>
>Please let me know how could Satius be part of this forum discussion to

>implement AC-WAN for broadband last mile communication needs and for 
>rural area broadband deployment.
>
>Regards,
>
>Charles Abraham
>President
>Satius Inc.
>Tel: 240-481-1776
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>

Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

2009-06-16T22:01:00Z

Mrs. Campanola:

Any update on the Notice of Funding Availability for broadband and Rural
Area broadband grants?

Regards,

Charles Abraham

, Mary - Washington, DC wrote:

>We have not yet finalized our program.  The program requirements will be
>included in a Notice of Funding Availability which will be published
>this summer.  It will be published in the Federal Register and on our
>website at www.usda.gov/rus/telecom
>
>Thank you for your interest.
>
>
>Mary Campanola
>Outreach Coordinator
>USDA Rural Development
>Rural Utilities Service
>Telecommunications Program
>202-720-8822 (voice)
>202-720-0810 (fax)
>mary.campanola@wdc.usda.gov
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Charles Abraham [mailto:charlesabraham@earthlink.net]
>Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 1:23 PM
>To: Charles Abraham
>Cc: btop@ntia.doc.gov; bbrown@ntia.doc.gov; Campanola, Mary -
>Washington, DC; press@ntia.doc.gov; Fletcher, Jay - Washington, DC
>Subject: Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products
>
>Dear Sir:
>
>
>Please help us to show you our new products to validate its performance
>for broadband last mile communication and for rural areas broadband last
>
>mile communication.
>
>Satius developed a unique and patented products, called AC-WAN, that
>communicates as a "REAL PLUG AND PLAY" device for the last mile
>broadband communication needs without any installations.
>
>AC-WAN communicates over the power line and through any size
>transformers and between all 3 phase power lines without any
>installations for the last mile communication needs.
>
>AC-WAN a true "Plug and Play" device since each unit just have to be
>plugged into the 120V AC outlet. No installation needed to communicate
>within a large building or between buildings or communicate the last
>mile needs without installations and with stable high  thru put speed.
>
>These applications include Internet and Ethernet video, TV broadcasting,
>
>and more.
>
>Please let me know how could Satius be part of this forum discussion to
>implement AC-WAN for broadband last mile communication needs and for
>rural area broadband deployment.
>
>Regards,
>
>Charles Abraham
>President
>Satius Inc.
>Tel: 240-481-1776
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Congressional Letters to BTOP

2009-06-16T20:45:00Z

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Attachments

Congressional Letters to BTOP

2009-06-16T20:40:00Z

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Attachments

Congressional Letters to BTOP

2009-06-16T20:36:00Z

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-06-16T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John M. Ryan
Email:	john.ryan@level3.com
Address:	1025 Eldorado Blvd
	Broomfield, CO 80021

Please see attachment below.

Attachments

Treatment of Capital Leases for Capacity - James R Newby - 6-11-2009.pdf

Congressional Letters to BTOP

2009-06-16T20:07:00Z

Signed.Letter.#163.Sen.Brownback.04-14-2009_BB.pdf

Attachments

Signed.Letter.#163.Sen.Brownback.04-14-2009_BB.pdf

Congressional Letters to BTOP

2009-06-16T19:56:00Z

0405 - McGuire-Rivera Signed Letter to Rep. Biggert
05-19-2009(13)_BB.pdf

Attachments

0405 - McGuire-Rivera Signed Letter to Rep. Biggert 05-19-2009(13)_BB.pdf

Congressional Letters to BTOP

2009-06-16T19:55:00Z

0251 - Gomez Signed Letter to Gov. Kulongoski 05-19-2009(2)_BB.pdf

Attachments

0251 - Gomez Signed Letter to Gov. Kulongoski 05-19-2009(2)_BB.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-16T19:30:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John Windhausen
Law firm:	Telepoly Consulting
Attorney:	John Windhausen
Email:	jwindhausen@telepoly.com
Address:	7521 Cayuga Ave.
	Bethesda, MD 20817

The attached documents describe the goals of the new Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition.

Attachments

Congressional Letters to BTOP

2009-06-16T19:04:00Z

Attachments

NOFA for Rural Telemedicine Technology - Stanislaus County California

2009-06-16T00:01:00Z

Good Day:
I have spent close to 4 full days researching multiple web locations (including the BTOP outreach page) seeking some concrete answers on how my rural communities can partner to apply for
stimulus Healthcare IT grant dollars for much needed telemedicine connectivity.
Can you please assist me (direct me) to actual application process locations?
I thank you in advance for any assistance.
best,
 
Keith D. Boggs
Deputy Executive Officer - Economic Development
County of Stanislaus
209.652.1514

Web Form Comment

2009-06-15T16:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Victoira Proffer
Email:	victoria@stlbroadband.com
Address:	505 Hillsboro Road
	Farmington, MO 63640

Please add me to your correspondence list.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-12T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Stephen E. Smith
Email:	stephen.smith.co@comcast.net
Address:	1487 Periwinkle Drive
	Boulder, CO 80304

Please add my name to your mailing list.
Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-12T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The Telecommunications Industry Association
Attorney:	Patrick Sullivan
Email:	psullivan@tiaonline.org
Address:	10 G Street, NW
	Suite 550
	Washington, DC 20002

Attached please find a letter from the Telecommunications Industry Association requesting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service, as it establishes a timeline for administering the Rural Development Broadband Program pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, expedite the broadband grant and loan award process and provide the first round of such awards well prior to the end of the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2010 (FY 2010).

Attachments

RUS Fund Allocation Expedite.final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-12T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The Telecommunications Industry Association
Attorney:	Patrick Sullivan
Email:	psullivan@tiaonline.org
Address:	10 G Street, NW
	Suite 550
	Washington, DC 20002

Attached please find a letter from the Telecommunications Industry Association requesting that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, as it establishes a timeline for administering the Broadband Telecommunications Opportunity Program (BTOP), expedite BTOP grant awards and attribute pre-existing infrastructure investments necessary to BTOP projects as in-kind contributions to the BTOP 20 percent non-federal match requirement.

Attachments

NTIA Fund Allocation Expedite.final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-06-11T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	3M
Address:	6801 River Place Blvd.
	130-2N-05
	Austin, TX 78726

Please keep me informed of the happenings of NTIA & Rus Fundings.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-11T16:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ray Salem
Address:	3755 Avocado Blvd, suite 434
	la mesa, CA 91941

Please add my name to the email list.
thanks
Ray

Web Form Comment

2009-06-11T00:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Broad Axe Technology Partners
Email:	jstevens@broadaxepartners.com
Address:	941 Glenwood Station Lane, Suite 204
	Charlottesville, VA 22901

Please include my name in any information distribution made regarding broadband grant and other funding opportunities.

Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-10T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael Feagans
Email:	mike@philastories.org
Address:	706 St. Andrews Road
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

Please add my name to the list for updates,

Michael Feagans
mike@philastories.org

Web Form Comment

2009-06-10T20:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Karen O'Neil
Email:	koneil@nrao.edu
Address:	NRAO
	PO Box 2
	Green Bank, WV 24944

Please include my name in any information distribution made regarding broadband grant and other funding opportunities

thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-10T04:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Briana Caldwell-Development Department
Email:	development@kvmr. org
Address:	401 Spring St
	Nevada City, CA 95959

Please include me on your distribution list, including information on funding and grant availability as it relates to the Broad Band initiatives.

Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-10T04:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jim Baller
Law firm:	Baller Herbst Law Group
Attorney:	Jim Baller
Email:	Jim@Baller.com
Address:	2014 P Street, NW
	Washington, DC 20036

Ex Parte Letter to Secretaries Locke and Vilsack

Attachments

APPA-NATOA Buy American Letter (6-9-09).doc

Please add me to Correspondence List

2009-06-09T20:01:00Z

Hello,

 

Can you please add my email to your correspondence list?  

 

Thank you,

 

Katie Miller

 

4400 Carillon Point | Kirkland, WA 98033

P: 425.216.4499 | M: 206.802.8922 |F: 425.216.7776

www.clear.com

Attachments

image001.jpg

BTOP Grants and Funding Programs

2009-06-09T00:01:00Z

Dear NTIA and BTOP Representative:



I will greatly appreciate for you to please add me to your distribution list
for any activities, events, public comment and roundtable discussion
opportunities as well as any grant and funding notice distributions lists
that may come up in relationship to the NTIA BTOP.



Thank you in advance for your assistance and consideration in ensuring that
I have an opportunity to participate and fully contribute as well as to be
fully informed on program development and procurement opportunities of
benefit to small businesses from the NTIA and BTOP in particular.



Best regards,



Frank Lopez

President & CEO

Taino Group LLC

46216 Wales Terrace

Potomac Falls, Virginia 20165-8740

Telephone: (703) 444-5908

Fax: (703) 439-2578

Mobile: (202) 294-6874

Email:   frank@tainogroup.com

Partner Website:   www.msitv.tv

Web Form Comment

2009-06-08T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Debra J Holdren
Email:	debholdren@gmail.com
Address:	196 Frost Road
	Camden, SC 29020

Please add me to your mailing lists, email and snail mail.
Today, my only choice other than dial-up is costly and unpredictable sattelite internet. PLEASE ensure my area has DSL and/or cable internet coverage.

Ashland Fiber Network contact info Federal Stimulus

2009-06-08T20:01:00Z

Hi,

I'm writing per Bryan Conway, Administrator of state of Oregon's Telecommunication Division's letter recommending I send contact information so that I can  be updated of federal stimulus broadband funding information.

Please add Ashland, Oregon to the NTIA's contact list. 

Thank you.

Contact information below:

Michael F. Ainsworth
Information Technology Interim Director
City of Ashland

(541)-552-2316
(541)-552-2436 (fax)

90 N. Mountain Ave.
Ashland, OR 97520

Broadband grant information

2009-06-08T20:01:00Z

greetings,
Please put me on your correspondence list to receive information about Broadband grants available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
 
regards,
Courtney Brooks
Policy Analyst
Oregon Employment Department
875 Union St. NE
Salem, OR 97311
503-947-1250
courtney.brooks@state.or.us

mailing list

2009-06-06T00:01:00Z

Anthony,
Thanks for the presentation today at PSRC. Please add me to your email
list.
-Day

-----------
Day Chapin, MSc, MBA, PE - chapin@alarron.com - Tel: (425) 744-0186 -
Confidentiality Notice: This email and any attachments are for the
sole use of the intended recipient(s) and contain information that may
be confidential and/or legally privileged.  If you have received this
email in error, please notify the sender by reply email and delete the
message.  Any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this
communication by someone other than the intended recipient is
prohibited.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-06T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Arvada Nelson
Email:	anelson@qvir.com
Address:	9024 Sniktaw Lane
	Fort Jones, CA 96032

As a small rural and remote reservation with minimal health resources from the CA Area Indian Health Service we are at a disadvantage. Notification of funding opportunities were late in reaching us through the Indian Health Service. When I called to IHS Headquarters in Rockville, MD requesting information regarding broadband and other Information Technology funding, I was told that funds to the Indian Health Service are being used to strengthen the IHS agencies' infrastructure and personnel needs. At the small tribes level we do not receive early notification of offer of technical assistance from the IHS who's mission is to raise the health care for American Indians and Alaska Native to the highest possible level. As a small tribe we do not have the expertise or the funding to compete with larger tribes or large Indian programs. I would propose that there be a set-aside for small tribal programs such as ours and technical assistance provided so that it would level the playing field and we would be afforded an opportunity for the funds which could improve the Tribes health care and educational abilities. Thank you for your time, consideration, and fairness for these funds.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-05T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Teresa Gilchrist
Email:	BIOhelping@verizonmail.com
Address:	5289 Talbots Landing
	Ellicott City, MD 21043

Please ensure that funding opportunities will filter down to grassroot organizations. We are a non-profit 501c3 organization that trains the underemployed and unemployed population of the Washington, DC area in the skill of data installation. This trade directly relates to the type of jobs the Broadband grant should generate.

Once again please ensure small grassroot organizations can participate. Please ensure ex-offenders can participate. Employers are restricted from hiring qualified ex-offenders because of insurance refusal to grant employers liability insurance if they hire ex-offenders. The skill to perform cable lines is not complicated. We can give many employment and many people access to the internet.

Attached is our company brochure and a brief abstract about Building Inside Out. Thank You...Teresa Gilchrist

Attachments

Correspondence list - information regarding ARRA Funds, definitions & grants

2009-06-04T04:01:00Z

Please include me on your correspondence list regarding the availability of
funds, definitions and grants once that information is made available by the
NTIA.



My contact information is as follows:



                Email address:                   brianb@newpathnetworks.net

                Mailing address:               NewPath Networks, LLC

                                                                768 Garfield
St., Seattle, WA  98109



Thank you for your consideration of this request.



Regards,



Brian



Brian Broucek

Director of Finance

NewPath Networks, LLC.

768 Garfield St.

Seattle, WA  98109



Office:    206.632.0931

Mobile:  425.218.4764

Fax:        206.299.9374



Email:   brianb@newpathnetworks.net



============================================================================
===

Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in and transmitted with
this communication is strictly confidential, is intended only for the use of
the intended recipient, and is the property of NewPath Networks, LLC. or its
affiliates and subsidiaries. If you are not the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that any use of the information contained in or transmitted
with the communication or dissemination, distribution, or copying of this
communication is strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this
communication in error, please immediately return this communication to the
sender and delete the original message and any copy of it in your
possession.

Comment on supply-side discourse from Zhone

2009-06-04T00:01:00Z

Please find attached our submission regarding recent discourse on
supply-side considerations in the ARRA broadband programs.

Respectfully,

Steven Glapa
VP of Product Management and Marketing

Attachments

Zhone June 3 Comment on 090309298-9299-01 .doc

grant

2009-06-04T00:01:00Z

pls place me on the list to receive updated information on the available
grants.

thanks,
joy Windham
Program Specialist
Department of Public Safety
919 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Ph#: 808-587-3475
Joy.M.Windham@hawaii.gov

Web Form Comment

2009-06-03T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	mlesniak@broadlaw.com
Address:	4400 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 880
	Miami, FL 33137

Please add me to the distribution list.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-03T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jenny Smith
Address:	Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum, Attn Jenny Smith
	304 Laurel Suite 2D
	Baton Rouge, LA 70801

I am sending this email to join the correspondence list for the
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-03T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Holyoke Community College
Email:	vfontanilles@hcc.mass.edu
Address:	303 Homestead Avenue
	Holyoke, MA 01040

Please put me on the list for BTOP information. E-mail address: vfontanilles@hcc.mass.edu

Reduced Registration Fees: CALAsia - BIO Summit for Partnering

2009-06-03T04:01:00Z

CALAsia Bridging the PacificTo view this email as a web page, go here.

CALAsia is an international forum that will bring together key life science decision-makers from California, the U.S. and the Asia Pacific region to identify, explore, and further trans-Pacific business endeavors, June 14-16 in San Diego, California.

Speakers Include
G. Steven Burrill
Burrill & Company

Kay Chandler
Cooley Godward Kronish LLP

Nancy Chang
OrbiMed

John Diekman
5AM Ventures

Masaki Doi
Astellas

Samantha Du
Hutchinson Medipharma

Steve Hutchins
WuXi AppTec
Charles Hsu, Ph.D.
Bay City Capital

Dinesh Jain
Aagami

Anula Jayasuriya
Evolvence India Life Science Fund
Wendy Johnson
ProQuest Investments

Paul Kanan
Agensys
Chris LeMaster
Tragara Pharmaceuticals

James Li
Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers

George Montogomery
Montgomery, Marshall Healthcare Partners

John Oyler
BioDuro LLC

Mark Saad
Cytori Therapeutics

Gunther Winkler
Biogen Idec

Barbara Yanni
Merck & Co

Tony Zhang
Eli Lilly

Plenary Sessions

• Overview of the Key Markets in the Asia Pacific Region
• Licensing Deals with Asian Partners
• Capital: The Lifeblood of the BioPharmaceutical Industry
• Global Development Strategies
• M&A is Here to Stay
CALAsia’s informative sessions will continue in these interactive workshops scheduled throughout the conference. Five key areas will be addressed to ensure that you have all of the information for conducting business globally.

View full conference schedule.

Partnering
Partnering one-on-one in a private setting with attendees of your choice throughout the length of the entire conference powered by EBD Group’s state-of-the-art partneringONE™ on-line partnering software.

Attendees

Representatives from the following will meet to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing the life science industry :

China
Australia
Hong Kong
US
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Canada
India
Korea
Taiwan

Click here for a list of previous BIOCOM conference attendees.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-02T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Heather Baker
Email:	heather@ankhincorporated.com
Address:	2067 Briarwood Drive
	Morganton, NC 28655

Please add me to the mailing list. Thanks.

ARRA Information

2009-06-02T20:01:00Z

Please put me on your correspondence list for the latest on the ARRA
Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) information.

 

Thank you very much,

 

Erick Trombley

347-683-6131

etrombley@pixel-velocity.com


 
Pixel Velocity “Solutions that Protect – People, Property and Commerce”   http://www.pixel-velocity.com/   
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
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Web Form Comment

2009-06-02T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Telecommunications Industry Association
Address:	10 G Street, NE
	Suite 550
	Washington, DC 20002

TIA letter to U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of Agriculture on the ARRA "Buy American" provision.

Attachments

Letter to DOC and USDA on Buy American.pdf

Correspondence List

2009-06-02T04:01:00Z

Hello,

I sent this request at the end of April and haven't received any
correspondence to date. Please let me know if there is something more I need
to provide...

Please add me to your email and correspondence lists for NTIA grant
information. We currently have a grant proposal in place in Oregon.

Thank you!

Theodore Wadman, CEO
theodore@nextgenphonesystems.com
Next Gen Phone Systems
314 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97330
541-360-0300

Correspondence list

2009-06-02T00:01:00Z

Please add me to your correspondence list regarding availability of
funds through the ARRA.

 Robin Large, Development Analyst
 robin.large@salemhospital.org

 PO Box 14001
 Salem, OR 97309-5014

 ph: 503-561-2408
 fax: 503-561-4830

 thank you

**********************************************************************
Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this email and any attachments
may be legally privileged and confidential. If you are not an intended recipient, you
are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this email is
strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the
sender and permanently delete the email and any attachments immediately. You should
not retain, copy, or use this email or any attachment for any purpose; nor disclose
all or any part of the contents to any other person.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-01T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jay Thompson
Email:	jthompson@syringanetworks.net
Address:	3795 S. Development Ave.
	Boise, ID 83705

Please put me on the correspondence list for BTOP notifications.

My contact information is as follows.
Jay Thompson
Syringa Networks
3795 S. Development Ave.
Boise, Idaho 83705
jthompson@syringanetworks.net

Web Form Comment

2009-06-01T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mitchell Johnson
Email:	mitchellejohnson@bellsouth.net
Address:	202 Parkmont Dr.
	Greensboro, NC 27408

Please add me to you grant apllication list. I will be working to facilitate implementation of infrastructure.

Web Form Comment

2009-06-01T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Nancy Doucette
Email:	ndoucett@commprod.com
Address:	7301 E. 90th St.
	Ste 111
	Indianapolis, IN 46256

Please add me to the notification list for any updates. Thank you

Application and Rules

2009-06-01T12:01:00Z

Has the Application and Rules for the Broadband Grants and funding be published yet and if they have where can they be found.  Thank you Dan Murdough


Dan Murdough
Argent Communications
Dan@argentcommunications.com

Your Invitation to CORTESE.US

2009-05-30T08:01:00Z

    
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Web Form Comment

2009-05-29T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ryan Kamholtz
Email:	rtkamhol@hotmail.com
Address:	PO Box 46041
	Madison, WI 53744

Please add me to mailing list for status updates about BTOP grants.

Opt-In Email

2009-05-29T16:01:00Z

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Web Form Comment

2009-05-29T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John Haines
Email:	jhaines@caflobvi.com
Address:	7644 Uliva Way
	Sarasota, FL 34238

Please add me to mailing list for status updates about BTOP grants

Web Form Comment

2009-05-28T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Shaun B. Manchand
Email:	smanchand@virtusa.com
Address:	245 Park Avenue
	39th Floor
	New York, NY 10167

Please put me on the correspondence list for BTOP notifications.

My contact information is as follows.

Shaun B. Manchand
Director - Telecom Services North America
Virtusa Corporation
245 Park Avenue
39th Floor
New York, NY 10167
E-mail: smanchand@virtusa.com
Mobile: (508) 439-0453
eFax: (212) 202-7779
www.virtusa.com

Thank you,

Shaun B. Manchand

Web Form Comment

2009-05-28T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	X2nSat
Address:	1333 N McDowell Blvd Suite A
	Petaluma, CA 94954

Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Department of Agriculture
Rural Utilities Services

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing on behalf of my 17 employees at X2nSat in Petaluma, California to submit comments in response to your call for further information regarding the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Services (RUS) implementation of provisions in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

We believe that this infusion of funding for broadband deployment projects in underserved areas represents a wonderful opportunity to truly deliver on the decades old promise of universal service of communications services.

X2nSat has more than a decade of experience in providing satellite solutions for corporate, maritime, and rural telephony networks. X2nSat has entered into a number of agreements to provide rural utilities with a new, cost effective innovative technology that enables telecommunications carriers to provide their underserved rural subscribers with high-quality residential voice, data and fax services. We design, integrate, and install a premier line of industry specific satellite integration boxes, designed to integrate satellite communications within Rural Telephony networks. These integration boxes are configured to include indoor/outdoor enclosures with built-in UPS allowing up to 4 hours of standby power, allowing telcos to offer rural subscribers with up to four lines per household, broadband speeds from 256k to 2M, and integrates with 911 Emergency services.

Our clients have procured our product with funds secured through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). We feel we are approved, tested and certified. We anticipate that, if the guidelines being drafted allow small rural utilities to be able to secure ARRA funding for our type of projects, 30 to 40 additional jobs will be created in our community and well over 200 in the communities where the projects will ultimately take place.

As you develop guidelines and regulations for the distribution of these funds, we strongly urge you to maximize the amount of grants that go to existing public utility agencies that have the greatest need. As you define unserved areas, we encourage you to cast the widest possible definition. Where agencies are in place and serving American citizens, no matter how small or disparate their population, we firmly believe there is solution available to them and this is the time to try and reach those corners of America. We have experience working with such agencies and can say that they are best qualified to provide the services and support that will make this program a success.

Sincerely

Garrett Hill
CEO

Please add me to distro

2009-05-28T16:01:00Z

Please add me to your distribution list for information regarding the ARRA
and the Rural Broadband initiative you are managing.  I assume you send all
information out by email.  You can send updates to me at this email address
which I am sending this email from.rabdel@comcast.net.  I am the President
of Extended Range Communications.



Thank you

Raouf Abdel

Correspondence list

2009-05-28T16:01:00Z

Hello, 
I received a letter from Governor Kulongoski's office regarding updates to rules for NTIA and USDA's ARRA grant applications. I would like to be added to your correspondence list to receive updates. My email address is:

nichole.sullivan@alyricatel.net

My mailing address is:

Nichole Sulllivan
AlyricaTel, Inc.
521B N. 19th St.
Philomath, OR 97370

Thank you,

Nichole Sullivan
CEO
AlyricaTel, Inc.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-28T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	babeach@ufl.edu
Address:	Bldg 120 Newell Drive
	University of Florida
	Gainesville, FL 32611

I would appreciate being added to any information/update mailing lists for this program.
I feel if IFAS were allocated some grants to expand broadband to each of our remote offices, then the whole state of Florida could benefit agriculturally.
Thank you.

AHA Comments on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

2009-05-28T16:01:00Z

Attached please find the comments that were sent to Secretary Locke,
Secretary Vilsack, Deputy Assistant Secretary Gomez and Acting
Administrator Newby regarding the Broadband Technology Opportunities
Program (BTOP) consistent with the requirements of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). 

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kristin Welsh,
vice president of strategic initiatives and business community liaison,
at (202) 626-2322 or kwelsh@aha.org.

 

 

 

Crystal Childs

Project Manager, Federal Relations

American Hospital Association

325 7th St NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20004

(202) 626-2676

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-05-28T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NuTel Broadband Corporation
Email:	glafrancis@nutelbroadband.com
Address:	769 Basque Way Ste. 650
	CARSON CITY, NV 89706

Hello,

When will the BTOP Grant applications be published?

Web Form Comment

2009-05-25T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	BCS Computers
Email:	brewtonm@bcs7.net
Address:	603C West Main St
	Claxton, GA 30417

Please add me to your BTOP correspondence list.

No busque mas trabajo... Sea su propio Jefe

2009-05-25T00:01:00Z

Attachments

libertadyexito.bmp

Web Form Comment

2009-05-24T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kane Brushwood
Email:	kaneb@gbtech.net
Address:	2200 Space Park Drive
	Suite 400
	Houston, TX 77058

Please add me to correspondence listings and any email listings. We are a HUB company that has experience in wide-range municipal broadband networks.

David R. (Kane) Brushwood
Director, Project Operations

GB Tech, Inc.
2200 Space Park Drive
Suite 400
Houston, TX 77058
www.gbtech.net

Phone: 281-333-3703 Ext. 124
Direct: 281-333-0468
Cell: 832-353-9099
Fax: 281-333-3745

Web Form Comment

2009-05-23T12:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Carolyn C. Jones
Email:	twinoaks@verizon.net
Address:	HC 65 Box 38-B
	Talcott, WV 24981

The need is so great for broadband to be available in the Talcott area. Many people in this area would be so grateful if some of the grant funds could be used to provide high speed internet to this unserved part of West Virginia.

Correspondence list

2009-05-22T20:01:00Z

Can you please add me to your correspondence list.


Frontier Communications
Ingo Henningsen
Manager, Government & External Affairs
P.O. Box 708970
Sandy UT  84070-8970
Ph) 801-274-3127
Cell) 801-440-0698
Fax) 801-274-3227
email) ingo.henningsen@frontiercorp.com

I can Help



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Tillamook Lightwave, IGA

2009-05-22T20:01:00Z

Please put Tillamook Lightwave on the list to receive further
information concerning the grant funds, definitions and directions.
Thank you.

 

Tillamook Lightwave, IGA

c/o Su Yaremchuk

Business Manager

201 Laurel Avenue

Tillamook, Oregon  97141

(503) 842-3404

syaremch@co.tillamook.or.us         

 

Su Yaremchuk

Staff Assistant

842-3404

Opt-in Internet Domain Names

2009-05-22T04:01:00Z

Internet opportunity.  Purchase a web domain name and get all of the benefits of the internet.
click below
 https://www.securepaynet.net/default.aspx?prog%5Fid=446165

Alcatel-Lucent ARRA-BAP BTOP Filing

2009-05-21T20:01:00Z

On May 19, 2009, John Marinho, Alcatel-Lucent, and John Morabito, NTIA, had a telephone conversation regarding application of the Recovery Act's Buy American provision to the BTOP program.  Please see the attached information supporting the view that information and communications technology (ICT) products should not be subject to the provision.


Michael T. McMenamin

Attachments

052009 Buy_American.pdf

BTOP Correspondence List

2009-05-21T16:01:00Z

Please add me to your BTOP correspondence list.

Christine Burke
Frontier Communications
christine.burke@frontiercorp.com





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Web Form Comment

2009-05-21T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Stephen Goodman
Law firm:	Butzel Long Tighe Patton
Email:	SGoodman@butzeltp.com
Address:	1747 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
	Suite 300
	Washington, DC 20005

ADTRAN, Inc. (“ADTRAN”) met yesterday with staff from NTIA to address certain issues in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (“BTOP”). Representing ADTRAN were Dr. Kevin Schneider (CTO), Gary Bolton (VP Global Marketing) and Steve Goodman (Butzel Long Tighe Patton). Attending on behalf of NTIA were Tim Sloan, James McConnaughey, Dennis Amari and Rahul Gaitonde.

ADTRAN primarily focused on its previously submitted White Paper – “Defining Broadband Speeds: an Analysis of Peak vs. Sustained Data Rates in Network Access Architectures” (filed with NTIA on April 13, 2009). ADTRAN explained that in establishing any minimum data rates to define “broadband,” NTIA should base the definition on actual, sustainable data rates experienced by the subscriber, not on “peak” or “theoretical maximum” data rates. The paper models these different characteristics for different broadband architectures and establishes a means to make an “apples-to-apples” comparison of data rates for different broadband access technologies. ADTRAN did not advocate a specific minimum data rate, but suggested that NTIA should look to the ability to support common user applications, which are likely to evolve over time. In addition, because the user experience is important, ADTRAN suggested that NTIA should also include latency as a factor in defining broadband for purposes of this grant/loan program.

In this meeting with NTIA, ADTRAN also generally discussed the current capabilities of copper technologies for last-mile broadband access, including techniques for increasing data rates such as pair bonding and dynamic spectrum management. ADTRAN additionally addressed advances in fiber optic broadband access technologies, including WDM PON.

Finally, ADTRAN discussed the perverse chilling effect the stimulus plan is having on current capital expenditures by broadband service providers. Because of the 20 percent matching requirement, many service providers are not making any broadband investments presently in order to be in a position to make the 20 percent matching investments to qualify for grants. As a result of the significant reductions in current investment, jobs in the telecommunications industry and jobs associated with telecommunications build out are being lost currently. ADTRAN urged NTIA to adopt a policy as soon as possible, even in advance of resolution of the other issues, that allows (otherwise qualifying) investments made after enactment of the ARRA to count towards the 20 percent match.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-21T04:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	PVHS
Email:	jkramer@nusd.k12.az.us
Address:	451 North Arroyo Blvd
	Nogales, AZ 85621

I would like more information in how we could take advantage of the grants program to help our school population move forward. We are located on the border. We are a Title one school, 99% Hispanic, moving our school to be a one-to-one school, removing our textbooks to be online with all of our school work, members of ISTE and DI instruction, firm believer in NETS, we are preparing our students, however we need more funding for internet access for our students at home and more laptops for our students.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-21T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ken Wells
Email:	ken.wells@integratelecom.com
Address:	1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 500
	Portland, OR 97232

List addition request only.

Alcatel-Lucent ARRA-BAP BTOP Filing

2009-05-21T00:01:00Z

On May 19, 2009, John Marinho, Alcatel-Lucent, and John Morabito, NTIA, had a telephone conversation regarding application of the Recovery Act's Buy American provision to the BTOP program.  Please see the attached information supporting the view that information and communications technology (ICT) products should not be subject to the provision.


Michael T. McMenamin


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MvXxlVuJL0ezEecRMagsvbLMRZGLMnb

Request for Correspondence List

2009-05-20T20:01:00Z

I would like to be added to your correspondence list and here is my
contact info. Thanks.
 
Susan McGurkin, Intrado Inc.
smcgurkin@intrado.com
1601 Dry Creek Drive
Longmont, CO 80503
720.494.5800 office
303.929.3478 mobile
 

Susan A. McGurkin

Director, Federal Government & Regulatory Policy

 

Intrado Inc.

1601 Dry Creek Drive

Longmont, CO 80503

direct: 720.864.5504

mobile: 303.929.3478

fax: 720.494.6600

email: smcgurkin@intrado.com

www.intrado.com  

 

ATTENTION:

The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments
to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s)
and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not
the intended recipient, please notify Intrado Inc. immediately
720.494.5800 and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments.

Please add to correspondence list

2009-05-20T16:01:00Z

To whom it may concern:

 

Please add me to your correspondence list for matters related to BTOP
stimulus funding and applications.

 

Thank you,

 

Michael 

 

 

Michael Weidman

President & CEO

 

LS Networks

921 SW Washington St., Suite 370

Portland, OR 97205

Direct 503.414.0461

General: 503.294.5300

Fax 503.227.8585

MWeidman@LSNetworks.net  

www.LSNetworks.net  

 

 

About LS Networks:  LightSpeed Networks Inc., dba "LS Networks" is
arguably the fastest-growing telecommunications company in the state of
Oregon.  They are a privately-held inter-exchange network services
provider and competitive local exchange carrier, with their headquarters
in Portland, Oregon.  LS Networks is owned by upwards of 60,000
Oregonians (consisting of rural electric power cooperatives' members and
a tribal nation), and as such is quite focused on providing benefit and
value-added services to all of Oregon.  The company operates a fiber
optic backbone throughout Oregon and is focused to bring
state-of-the-art connectivity to Oregon schools, hospitals, State and
Local governmental agencies, businesses and citizens. LS Networks has
designed its network using the latest in resilient broadband
technologies that effectively level the "playing field" of
service-delivery capabilities between rural and metropolitan areas
around the State.  Additional information can be found on their website
at www.LSNetworks.net  .

Notice of Ex Parte Discussion/Cisco Systems

2009-05-20T16:01:00Z

On May 14, 2009, Jeffrey A. Campbell, Senior Director of Technology and
Trade Policy for Cisco Systems, Inc. spoke telephonically with John
Morabito of the NTIA regarding the applicability of the "Buy America"
provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program and the Rural Utilities
Service.  Mr. Campbell discussed the nature of the global supply chain
for broadband electronics products and how those products are typically
supplied to broadband service providers in the United States.
Specifically, Mr. Campbell explains how virtually all broadband
electronics equipment is sold to broadband service providers through one
of three methods: (1) direct sales from a United States based company;
(2) direct sales from a United States based subsidiary of a foreign
company; or (3) indirect sales from a United States based value added
reseller.  Thus, virtually all broadband electronics equipment is sold
through United States based entities that are subject to United States
tax and other laws.

Please add me to your correspondence list

2009-05-20T16:01:00Z

Keith Chu
kchu@bendbulletin.com
202-662-7456

--

Keith Chu

(202) 662.7456
Washington, D.C. Bureau
Western Communications News Service
The Bulletin (Bend), Baker City Herald, Curry Costal Pilot, La Grande
Observer, The Daily Triplicate, The Union Democrat.

Correspondence List

2009-05-19T20:01:00Z

Please add me to your correspondence list. My email is:



jrennard@gvnw.com



Thank you very much.



James A. Rennard, CPA, MBA

GVNW Consulting, Inc.

8050 Warm Springs Road

Tualatin, OR 97062

jrennard@gvnw.com

503-612-4410

2009-05-19T20:01:00Z

Could you add me to the correspondence list please?

Thanks,
Greg

Greg Palser
President
CoastCom, Inc.
151 E Olive Street
Newport, OR 97365

greg@coastcom.net


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Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable



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list serve

2009-05-19T20:01:00Z

Please add me to the BTOP information email distribution list. 

 

Thanks

Phil Garrett

MINet 

Pgarrett@minetfiber.com

Web Form Comment

2009-05-19T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Greg Mickells
Email:	g.mickells@lincolnlibraries.org
Address:	g.mickells@lincolnlibraries.org
	Lincoln, NE 68508

Signing up to receive correspondence related to the BTOP grant process. Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-19T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Debora McNeer
Email:	djmcneer@citynet.net
Address:	P.O. Box 98
	Forest Hill, WV 24935

I'd like to add my voice to those who have already commented who would like to see a nationwide broadband system. I live in rural WV. I have been downloading a vital security update for my computer for more than three days now. We have two landlines, one of which is used just for the computer. When it rains, this line is unreliable and will disconnect of its own will.

I realize high-speed internet isn't a life-or-death priority, but surely the telecommunications companies are making enough profit to install services in some areas which might not be quite as profitable? And surely – SURELY – at some point their returns will equal and surpass their investment?

Thanks for thinking of us out here in the Middle of Nowhere.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-19T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Laura Schlegel
Email:	lauras@yousq.com
Address:	You Squared, 4190 Pennsylvania Ave., Dubuque, IA 52002
	Laura Schlegel
	Dubuque, IA 52002

Our company provides internet to rural areas and is interested in the broadband grant program. Do you know when the opportunity will be open for applications? Can I be notified via email when applications are being accepted. Thank you-

Web Form Comment

2009-05-19T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	FedSources
Email:	dacunhap@fedsources.com
Address:	8400 Westpark Drive
	4th Floor
	Mclean, VA 22102

Please add me to your correspondent's list.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-19T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Lauren Stacks
Email:	lstacks@dcsradio.com
Address:	6637 Old Harrison Lane
	Fort Smith, AR 72916

Please put my organization on the correspondence list.

NTIA Correspondence List

2009-05-19T00:01:00Z

Please put me on your NTIA correspondence list. Thank you, Shirley
Kappas, Grant Coordinator, City of Klamath Falls, Oregon

Add to Correspondence list

2009-05-19T00:01:00Z

I would like to be added to your correspondence list, with regard to NTIA
and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.


Jeanne Senatore
Product Marketing Manager- Broadband
Canby Telcom
503-266-8252
JSenatore@canbytel.com


Thank you.
--
Jeanne Senatore
Product Manager - Broadband
Canby Telcom
503-266-8252
503-863-6645

correspondence list

2009-05-19T00:01:00Z

Hello, 

This is Michelle Sullivan, CFO of AlyricaTel, Inc. 

AlyricaTel, Inc. 
521 B N 19th St. 
Philomath, OR 97370

michelle.sullivan@alyricatel.net

I would like to be put on your correspondence list. Thank you. 

Michelle Sullivan
AlyricaTel, Inc. 
971-678-3950

Eagle Telephone Contact Information

2009-05-19T00:01:00Z

Good afternoon, we at Eagle Telephone System, Inc. - Richland, OR; would
like to be added to your contact list for information from NTIA as it
becomes available regarding the AARA as it relates to the Telecommunication
Industry.

Please add Eagle, via my e-mail address comco@eagletelephone.com to your
list.



Thank you very much,

Rusti A. Lattin



Rusti A. Lattin

Eagle Telephone System, Inc.

(541) 893-6111

Web Form Comment

2009-05-19T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	RAYTHEON
Email:	frank.brzezinski@raytheon.com
Address:	8333 Bryan Dairy Rd
	Largo, FL 33777

Please add Raytheon to the list of interested parties to receive information about the BTOP program

Correspondence list

2009-05-18T20:01:00Z

Could you please add me to the correspondence list? My contact info is:

Kevin Sullivan
Alyrica Networks, Inc.
521b N. 19th St.
Philomath, Oregon
97370

541-929-3330
kevin.sullivan@alyrica.net

Thanks!
    Kevin

Please put me on the correspondence list

2009-05-18T20:01:00Z

Please put me on the correspondence list for BTOP notifications.

My contact information is as follows.

Todd Way
Manager of Douglas Services Inc.
PO Box 1327
Roseburg OR, 97470
541-673-4242

tway@douglasfast.net


Thank you,

Todd






Todd Way
(541) 673-4242 - Office
(541) 784-7692 - Cell

correspondence list

2009-05-18T20:01:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:

 

Please add me to your correspondence list. 

 

amiller@lsnetworks.net

 

Thank you, 

Allison Miller

 

 

921 SW Washington St, Suite 370

Portland, OR 97205

 

Direct Line: 503-414-0460

Fax: 503-227-8585

 

DISCLAIMER
This message, including any attachments, is intended for the sole use of
the individual to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that
is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable
law. If you are not the addressee you are hereby notified that you may
not use, copy, disclose, or distribute to anyone the message or any
information contained in the message. If you have received this message
in error, please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete
this message.

Attachments

image001.jpg

Web Form Comment

2009-05-18T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Travis King
Email:	tking@intelicloud.com
Address:	895 Dove Street
	3rd Floor
	Newport Beach, CA 92660

Please place me on the list to receive notice of activities pertaining to the broadband expansion initiatives. Our network equipment is manufactured domestically and will reduce the cost of providing content to under served areas of the US. I would like to know how we can participate to create better results for the broadband program. Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-18T04:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	David Rucker
Email:	modbc@bellsouth.net
Address:	David Rucker -AAMFS-INC
	P.O. Box 555511
	Orlando, FL 32855-5511

Mailing list for grant information.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-17T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dave@KirbyIMC.com
Law firm:	Kirby Information Management Consulting. LLC
Email:	Dave@KirbyIMC.com
Address:	2819 Stuart Dr
	Durham, NC 27707

Please add Dave@KirbyIMC.com to the email list for notices realed to the BTOP

Web Form Comment

2009-05-16T12:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alexander Hagen, Etheric Networks
Email:	alexander@ethericnetworks.com
Address:	120 Independence Drive
	Menlo Park, CA 94025

The most rapid way to expand broadband is fixed wireless. We estimate it costs only $5 in infrastructure and marketing to provide line of sight to a building, or about 1 million per county.

This system could add 100,000 users to 10 megabit or faster (we are testing 70 megabit) internet service per county before maxing out available bandwidth.

Additionally we recommend having a nation wide WISP program that would allow a lease back on sub lease of licensed spectrum to spur reliability.

Encouragement of operators to embrace standards based technologies for heterogeneous use such as event companies throwing up a wirless local loop or to support 802.11 or 802.15 or 3-g or 4-g cellular heterogeneous standards. To ensure the infrastructure is not brittle in terms of competitiveness over time.

With all that said , we advocate spreading funding to "underserved operators" that is groups and ISP's that may be community based and not strictly to national quasi monopolies for many reasons. At the same time we must not subsidize models that are unsustainable. Analysis or audit of previous network availability and ops as well as financials should help with some of that.

Alexander Hagen
CEO
Etheric Networks, Inc
120 Independence Drive
Menlo Park CA
www.etheric.net
877 541 3905

License Free Fixed Wireless Local Loop actually requires higher levels of skills than many operators currently possess to operate at uptimes greater than 99%.

We recommend that operators who are otherwise good candidates but whose network and management seem challenged be encouraged to tap a nation wide public private training program for management and operation, in coordination with solution providers.

We have developed a software system for analyzing faults in the network that we believe could be extremely useful to management of license free as well as licensed wireless.

RE: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

2009-05-16T00:01:00Z

We have not yet finalized our program.  The program requirements will be
included in a Notice of Funding Availability which will be published
this summer.  It will be published in the Federal Register and on our
website at www.usda.gov/rus/telecom

Thank you for your interest. 


Mary Campanola
Outreach Coordinator
USDA Rural Development
Rural Utilities Service
Telecommunications Program
202-720-8822 (voice)
202-720-0810 (fax)
mary.campanola@wdc.usda.gov
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Abraham [mailto:charlesabraham@earthlink.net] 
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 1:23 PM
To: Charles Abraham
Cc: btop@ntia.doc.gov; bbrown@ntia.doc.gov; Campanola, Mary -
Washington, DC; press@ntia.doc.gov; Fletcher, Jay - Washington, DC
Subject: Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

Dear Sir:


Please help us to show you our new products to validate its performance 
for broadband last mile communication and for rural areas broadband last

mile communication.

Satius developed a unique and patented products, called AC-WAN, that 
communicates as a "REAL PLUG AND PLAY" device for the last mile 
broadband communication needs without any installations.

AC-WAN communicates over the power line and through any size 
transformers and between all 3 phase power lines without any 
installations for the last mile communication needs.

AC-WAN a true "Plug and Play" device since each unit just have to be 
plugged into the 120V AC outlet. No installation needed to communicate 
within a large building or between buildings or communicate the last 
mile needs without installations and with stable high  thru put speed.

These applications include Internet and Ethernet video, TV broadcasting,

and more.

Please let me know how could Satius be part of this forum discussion to 
implement AC-WAN for broadband last mile communication needs and for 
rural area broadband deployment.

Regards,

Charles Abraham
President
Satius Inc.
Tel: 240-481-1776

Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

2009-05-16T00:01:00Z

Dear Sir:


Please help us to show you our new products to validate its performance
for broadband last mile communication and for rural areas broadband last
mile communication.

Satius developed a unique and patented products, called AC-WAN, that
communicates as a "REAL PLUG AND PLAY" device for the last mile
broadband communication needs without any installations.

AC-WAN communicates over the power line and through any size
transformers and between all 3 phase power lines without any
installations for the last mile communication needs.

AC-WAN a true "Plug and Play" device since each unit just have to be
plugged into the 120V AC outlet. No installation needed to communicate
within a large building or between buildings or communicate the last
mile needs without installations and with stable high  thru put speed.

These applications include Internet and Ethernet video, TV broadcasting,
and more.

Please let me know how could Satius be part of this forum discussion to
implement AC-WAN for broadband last mile communication needs and for
rural area broadband deployment.

Regards,

Charles Abraham
President
Satius Inc.
Tel: 240-481-1776

Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

2009-05-16T00:01:00Z

Dear Sir:


Please help us to show you our new products to validate its performance
for broadband last mile communication and for rural areas broadband last
mile communication.

Satius developed a unique and patented products, called AC-WAN, that
communicates as a "REAL PLUG AND PLAY" device for the last mile
broadband communication needs without any installations.

AC-WAN communicates over the power line and through any size
transformers and between all 3 phase power lines without any
installations for the last mile communication needs.

AC-WAN a true "Plug and Play" device since each unit just have to be
plugged into the 120V AC outlet. No installation needed to communicate
within a large building or between buildings or communicate the last
mile needs without installations and with stable high  thru put speed.

These applications include Internet and Ethernet video, TV broadcasting,
and more.

Please let me know how could Satius be part of this forum discussion to
implement AC-WAN for broadband last mile communication needs and for
rural area broadband deployment.

Regards,

Charles Abraham
President
Satius Inc.
Tel: 240-481-1776

ARRA correspondence list

2009-05-16T00:01:00Z

Please add my e-mail address edparker@teleport.com to your e-mail
distribution list.



Edwin B. Parker

Parker Telecommunications

P.O. Box 402

Gleneden Beach OR 97388

541.764.3058

edparker@teleport.com

Request to be added to your ARRA of 2009 correspondence List...

2009-05-16T00:01:00Z

Greetings:

On the advice of the Oregon Public Utilities Commission and the Office of the Governor I request addition to your email distribution for NTIA broadband stimulus information.

The project proposal we have developed is for an "Oregon Broadband Mapping and Demand Aggregation Project."  As such this is not a construction project but rather fits under the category for mapping as described in the ARRA of 2009.  A copy of the proposal is posted at www.jirwinconsulting.com/documents.htm.   While we may need to re-craft it to fit the NTIA criteria (when made available), you will find it fits under the "shovel ready."

onward... john

John Irwin
"Knowledge is for sharing!"
john@jirwinconsulting.com
www.jirwinconsulting.com
541.664.2456
541.778.4622 cell

Web Form Comment

2009-05-16T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Valley Internet
Email:	ofer@valleyinternet.com
Address:	4160 Suisun Valley Rd. E-352
	Fairfield, CA 94534

Please consider having a micro grant process whereby companies can apply for $50K funds quickly (2 weeks process) for building one base station at a time. Each base station we build connects 50 to 300 more customers and the impact is felt right away.

This will allow you to control spending and see quick and immediate results. If a company performs well on micro grant, you can increase its credit and allow it to apply to 3 portions ($150k) and so forth. The more the company performs with the government money, the easier it should be for them to ask for more funds and receive it quickly to deploy broadband.

Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

2009-05-13T04:01:00Z

Dear Sir:


Please help us to show you our new products to validate its performance
for broadband last mile communication and for rural areas broadband last
mile communication.

Satius developed a unique and patented products, called AC-WAN, that
communicates as a "REAL PLUG AND PLAY" device for the last mile
broadband communication needs without any installations.

AC-WAN communicates over the power line and through any size
transformers and between all 3 phase power lines without any
installations for the last mile communication needs.

AC-WAN a true "Plug and Play" device since each unit just have to be
plugged into the 120V AC outlet. No installation needed to communicate
within a large building or between buildings or communicate the last
mile needs without installations and with stable high  thru put speed.

These applications include Internet and Ethernet video, TV broadcasting,
and more.

Please let me know how could Satius be part of this forum discussion to
implement AC-WAN for broadband last mile communication needs and for
rural area broadband deployment.

Regards,

Charles Abraham
President
Satius Inc.
Tel: 240-481-1776

Web Form Comment

2009-05-13T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Unwired West, LLC
Email:	ajay@unwiredwest.com
Address:	78 Centennial Loop, Ste. E
	Eugene, OR 97401

Want to subscribe to BTOP news/ newsletters etc. Also, if someone has made a 'how-to' document, that would be great ...

guidlines for BTOP grant

2009-05-12T20:01:00Z

For Barbara Brown:

I am inquiring about the BTOP grant . I need to know what are the guide lines that I have to follow, and what is the process to file for the grant.
Thanks,
Tony Sample
ABC Enterprise
211 Computer Dr
Jackson, MO 64755

Web Form Comment

2009-05-11T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Paul Andrews
Email:	pandrews@telvue.com
Address:	16000 Horizon Way
	Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

TelVue Corporation is a leading provider of technology and solutions for Community Broadcasters utilizing cable, broadband cable, DSL and wireless. As such we are strong supporters of the the "Ten Core Values of Community Access TV":

1 Localism: Public Access TV supports local viewpoints, local perspectives, and the interests
of local communities. Most mainstream media programming is intended for national audiences and does not reflect the rich diversity of American community life. Local communities must be able to make and air media that reflects the local experiences.

2 Democracy: Our society is founded on a belief in freedom of expression and free speech. Democracy works best when a wide array of voices and opinions can be seen and heard. Public Access TV is one of the nation’s richest “market-places of ideas”.

3 Diversity: The First Amendment says everyone has the right to voice their opinion; no-one will agree with everything they see on Public Access TV, but we should all support the fundamental right of everyone to have the opportunity to speak their mind.

4 Access For All: Public Access TV is committed to serving all communities whether large or small (Narrowcasting). Commercial television’s dependence on advertising revenue forces it to appeal to the largest audience possible, and to sink to the lowest common denominator. A basic tenant of civil society is that the lives of all members of the community are important, and all members of society should be able to represent themselves in the media. In our ‘digital-divide’ era, equal access to the media is more important than ever for underserved, low income, and communities of color.

5 Universal Service: Everyone should be able to be connected to video-service if they choose to be. Video Service companies must serve all communities and not just ‘cherry-pick’ the most profitable ones.

6 Non-commercial: Public Access TV is an essential component in our public-media ‘green-space’ where, like a public park, we can reflect on who we are without the interference of commercial values.
7 Local government: Many of the decisions that most affect our lives are made at the local level by city councils, school boards, mayors, and so on. Community Access TV keeps the public informed about local government elections, about health services,
about public housing, and about other important local political and economic development activities. The mainstream media is notoriously ineffective at covering local government issues. Community Access TV is an important part of our system of local
government.

8 Education: Public, Educational and Government (PEG) TV plays an important role in our educational system. It provides channels for use by schools, libraries and colleges; and it is especially important for the education of low-income and rural communities.

9 Public Safety: In many areas Community Access TV provides channels for emergency information and community alerts.

10 Electronic Greenspace: All communication using the Public-Right-Of-Way or Public-Airwaves should provide space for Community Access Media.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-11T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bala Sankar
Email:	california.bala@gmail.com
Address:	4104 Thain Way
	Palo Alto, CA 94306

Book Title: Web On-The-Go. Subtitle: A Preview of The Way of Living in the Wireless Web World.

Attachments

Web-On-The-Go_Preview.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-05-11T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	McRae Smith
Email:	mcrae.smith@raytheon.com
Address:	McRae Smith
	43341 Royal Burkedale St.
	South Riding, VA 20152

Please add my name to your correspondence list. Thank you.

Fwd: lost submission to http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm April 13 2009

2009-05-11T20:01:00Z


>>> Josh Polterock  5/11/2009 12:04 PM >>>

Hello,

I send this message to inquire about a submission made to
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm on Monday April
13, 2009. My supervisor kc claffy, Director and PI at the Cooperative
Association of Internet Data Analysis (CAIDA) at the San Diego
Supercomputer Center on the campus of the University of California,
San Diego submitted comments but they do not appear in the public
postings.

Can we still submit?

Regards,
Josh

Joshua Polterock,  Manager Scientific Projects
Cooperative Association for Internet Data Analysis
San Diego Supercomputer Center
University of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0505 La Jolla, CA
92093-0505  Ph 858.822.0957  fax 858.534.5113
  http://www.caida.org/

Please add me to the BTOP correspondance list

2009-05-11T20:01:00Z

Hi Barbara,



Could you please add me to the BTOP correspondence list.



Thanks,

Hank Krzciuk

Costa Rica Walks A Fine Line

2009-05-11T20:01:00Z

Story 1. Costa Rica's battle for popularity – A delicate balance
Story 2. U.S. chamber backs ending Cuban trade embargo
Story 3. 100,000 monthly to use new Heredia rail line

Story 1.
Costa Rica's battle for popularity – A delicate balance

They used to call Alajuela, the second biggest town in Costa Rica's warm central valley, Villa Hermosa, or "pretty city".
Any Sunday morning in the main square will show you why.
It is laid out in the usual Spanish colonial style, the centre of a grid of streets where civic powers meet. But the cathedral, the town hall and the bank look down not on some barren plaza, but on a lively ornamental park.
Costa Rica is rich in plant and bird life, all nurtured by fertile volcanic soils, and the Parque Central de Alajuela is loud with squawking parrots and pigeons splashing in the rococo fountain, under palm trees which zoom like frozen fireworks into the blue sky.
And at 10am every Sunday, on the back echo of the cathedral clock, a conductor taps his baton on the music stand, and the municipal orchestra strikes up its first selection from the great canon of European and American brass band music.
But the opening piece that week was Rossini's overture to William Tell. This became the theme tune to The Lone Ranger, on TV but it is from an opera about a small country's patriotic resistance to foreign tyranny.
Continued below….

Would you prefer to view a PDF version? If so, follow the link below.
www.richcoastnews.ca/pradosdelrio.pdf

Independence
It was appropriate here because Alajuela is the home-town of Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaria, who died 150 years ago.

There is a museum dedicated to him, just a block away from the Parque Central. I asked a school girl who Juan Santamaria was. "He's the drummer boy who expelled the filibusters [pirates]" she said instantly.
"He carried the torch that drove out the American invaders."
She was referring to a crucial incident in the thwarting of William Walker, a fanatical US adventurer who landed in Nicaragua with an army of mercenaries in 1855, declared himself president and set about conquering all Central America with a view to instituting slavery and building a ship canal.
Among the improvised civilian militias who opposed him was Juan Santamaria, a poor lad who looked after his widowed mother.
Walker's mercenaries were holed up in a town called Rivas in a building with a thatched roof, and the only way to get them out was to set it on fire.
Two other men were shot down before Juan Santamaria managed to set the roof ablaze. He died the next day, of a combination of wounds and fever but the smoked-out Walker ended up before a firing-squad in Trujillo, Honduras in 1860.
Tourism riches
A century and a half on, visitors to Costa Rica are likely to be holding the Lonely Planet travel guide and be looking for a good cup of coffee and an internet connection.
And they will probably find both and be welcomed.
Costa Rica's number one earner is now tourism, overtaking coffee and bananas, melons and meat.
Time was when Costa Rica was famous for cutting down its forests for cattle ranches to make hamburgers for the US. But then people realised that Costa Rica had an ecological and biological diversity that was worth more alive than dead.
Visitors will pay to see the life of wet and dry tropical forest, rain forest, cloud forest. They want to surf in warm seas and ride horses and watch an active volcano from a Jacuzzi. Ornithologists and twitchers will pay a lot for what one guide, in his mangled English, described as "bird-squashing".
Thus over a quarter of the country is now protected in reserves and national parks, and they market the country under the slogan "Pure Life"
Economic 'upset'
It was the last country in the isthmus to sign CAFTA, the Central America Free Trade Agreement, which opens up all markets to the superpower in the north.
The chill wind of economic liberalism may upset some cosily corrupt arrangements, especially among the trade unions, but President Oscar Arias argues that his small trading country had to sign or be passed over by Washington in favor of other Central American signatory countries, and to stay competitive with these countries.
In turn, Cuba, Venezuela and Bolivia formed a People's Union to share food and doctors and energy. Hugo Chavez, the ex-military populist who runs oil-rich Venezuela was invited to Oscar Arias's inauguration but did not make it.
Costa Rica would love to get a deal on cheaper petrol, however, and recently signed a deal with China to build a new 300 million US dollar refinery with a view to keeping up with growing demand for petro fuels and keeping prices as low as possible for consumers in the future.
Chavez has since made nice with Arias and crude is flowing north from Venezuela to Costa Rica for refining.
Arias's first cabinet, which included five women, was said to have more PhDs in it than any governing body in the Americas. They are smart enough to keep lines open to both north and south.
Like Alajuela's fine musicians they can play rancheras and sambas as well as the theme tune of "The Lone Ranger".

Story 2.
U.S. chamber backs ending Cuban trade embargo
___________________________________________
The head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says lifting the near five-decade long U.S. embargo on Cuba will bring significant economic opportunities to American and Cuban workers alike. He made the case Tuesday at a news conference in the U.S. Congress.

The man, Thomas Donahue, said his group is supporting the efforts of some U.S. lawmakers to end the trade embargo on Cuba. He said engaging with Cuba will help the Communist nation move toward a more democratic society.

"I would say that if you want to open up Cuba to the things that we value, then send a whole lot of Americans down there to talk about what life is really like, to talk about economic opportunity, to go down there and take along with them opportunities to trade and invest and develop," said Donahue.

The U.S. imposed an economic embargo on Cuba in the early 1960s when it moved toward communism and aligned with Russia during the Cold War.

U.S. President Barack Obama eased restrictions on travel and money transfers to Cuba by Cuban Americans last month in a gesture to its Communist rulers. But, he left the embargo in place and urged them to take the next step, by increasing political freedom.

Donahue says lifting the embargo
will give U.S. businesses significant opportunities to sell agricultural and manufactured goods to Cuba and to develop offshore oil fields. He says those opportunities are seized instead by other countries.

Rep. Jeff Flake, a Republican, said
at the news conferencehe supports opening up to Cuba even though he is not sure how its government would react.

"I think the experience has been around the world that economic freedom and reform typically precedes political freedom and reform. It does not always happen, but it is more likely than not," said Flake. "But in this case we should do it because it is in our interest and every American should be able to travel wherever they want unless there is a compelling national
security reason and there is not one
here."

Charles Rangel, House Ways and Means Committee chairman, is leading efforts in Congress to end the embargo on Cuba. The New York Democrat said the embargo gives Cuba's rulers a scapegoat for their mistakes and lifting it will boost the U.S. standing on the world stage.

But Cuban American representatives in Congress strongly oppose any relaxing of restrictions on relations with Cuba. They say increased revenue from tourism and trade only would strengthen the government of President Raúl Castro.

Roger Noriega is a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington and a former State Department official in the George W. Bush administration. He says Americans who call for unilateral concessions to Cuba are lobbying on
" What these people are doing when they go down and make their deals is aid and abet a regime that is keeping 11 million Cuban people in bondage," he said. "Why would any American businessmen want to keep in power a regime that has destroyed the Cuban economy."

Noriega says maintaining sanctions will give the U.S. leverage to press Cuba's rulers to release political prisoners and grant their citizens political rights.

Story 3.

100,000 monthly to use new Heredia rail line
Government officials are expecting about 94,000 persons a month to take a trip on the new San José-Heredia line. And they said there will be 42 trips a day on the 9.67-kilometer (6-mile) route.

Now that one of the last administrative steps has been taken, setting the fare, rail service is expected to begin during the last half of this month. Those who take the train will be able to avoid the continual traffic jam between La Uruca and Heredia Centro.

The one-way fare will be 350 colons, about 62 U.S. cents at the current rate of exchange. The Authoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos announced the fare Wednesday. The government rail company, Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles, got just five colons less than it had requested.

The train will make two stops along the route, including one at Cinco Esquinas in Tibás.

The Authoridad was the agency that computed the likely number of riders. That would be about half capacity for the new rail cars.

The rail agency bought cars from the Spanish-owned Ferrocarriles Españoles de Vía Estrecha. The price regulating authority said that the fare structure will be published in the La Gaceta official newspaper around May 14. That will be the last administrative step.Transport officials originally planned to resume the service in December and then April. There were problems with the rail bed, and many of the wooden ties have been replaced with modern concrete ones.

The rail agency suffered some embarrassment when President Óscar Arias Sánchez took a rail trip to Heredia to celebrate that province's birthday. A car jumped the track during the trip.

The San José end sports a new terminal just north of Parque Nacional and just west of the former Estación al Atlántico on Avenida 1.

The government said it will seek a concessionaire to take over the line and convert it to electricity.

The track has several grade crossings, including two just west of Hospital Calderón Guardia. There are no signals or crossing gates, and the train blows its horn repeatedly as it approaches a crossing.

The 10-kilometer valley train from Pavas to San Pedro has been involved in accidents and there have been three deaths.

Attachments

Fwd: RE: From Dr. David Blumenthal: Invitation to an ONC Strategy Technical Expert Panel on May 19-20, 20

2009-05-09T00:01:00Z


>>> "Murray, Michelle (HHS/ONC)"  5/6/2009 4:01:06 PM >>>
Dr. McGuire-Rivera, I realize that your time is at a premium given the upcoming conversion deadline and that your staff is quite busy as well, so I hate to bother you at this time.  My office is also facing significant deadlines and workloads, due to requirements in the recent stimulus bill.   We are hoping that someone from your office could spare some time to help us learn more about the key considerations in implementing large scale federal programs, based on your own experiences even though we work in different industries.  Is there someone in your office to whom I could speak about this interaction? Thank you,Michelle Murray, M.S., MBA, PMPHealth Policy AnalystHHS Office of the National Coordinator forHealth Information Technology (ONC)200 Independence Avenue, SW, Suite 729-DWashington, DC 20201(202) 205-8780michelle.murray@hhs.gov 
From: Murray, Michelle (HHS/ONC) 
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 10:18 AM
To: bmcguire-rivera@ntia.doc.gov
Cc: Blumenthal, David (HHS/OS); Friedman, Charles (HHS/ONC); Glaser, John (HHS/ONC)
Subject: From Dr. David Blumenthal: Invitation to an ONC Strategy Technical Expert Panel on May 19-20, 2009
 Dear Dr. McGuire-Rivera: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has created an historic opportunity to reform our health care system through modernizing its information system.  Over the next ten years, tens of billions of dollars will be spent on this vital mission. I write to seek your assistance with planning the extraordinarily challenging task of implementing the health information technology provisions of ARRA, and particularly, the job of creating the support system that will enable our providers and patients to adopt and use health information technology rapidly and effectively.  This is vital work, and to succeed, we need the very best advice to shape the strategies we will pursue.  For this reason, we are convening an invitational Technical Expert Panel in Washington, DC, on May 19-20:  a full day on the 19th and a half-day on the 20th.  This one-time meeting will address, in a simple phrase, �How can the federal government most effectively support the adoption and meaningful use of health IT throughout our health care system?�  We will be bringing together experts on a wide variety of relevant topics: health system design, change management, organizational culture, health IT, and program management.  As we move ahead, we face time urgencies imposed by the Recovery Act and by the magnitude and complexity of the work to be done.  We apologize for the short notice but it is imperative that this meeting occur soon.  We hope you can adjust your schedule to accommodate us later this month.  A message with details about the logistics of the meeting and requesting an RSVP will follow, but we would also welcome a direct reply to this letter. With many thanks, we look forward to seeing you later this month. David BlumenthalNational Coordinator for Health Information Technology

Web Form Comment

2009-05-08T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	George Kenney
Email:	george.Kenney@tuhs.temple.edu
Address:	3509 N. Broad Street
	9th Floor
	Philadelphia, PA 19116

Please add me to e-mail list. Interested in hospital/healtcare delivery broadband grant program.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-08T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jenny Lundin, Senior Operations Coordinator
Email:	jennyl@doubleradius.com
Address:	2022 Van Buren Ave., Suite 100
	Indian Trail, NC 28079

Please add me to the correspondence list for NTIA ARRA grant information. Our company is a provider of wireless solutions with a broad client base- many of which are potential grantees for the BTOP program.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-08T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joshua S. Lamel, TechAmerica
Attorney:	Joshua S. Lamel
Email:	josh.lamel@techamerica.org
Address:	601 Pennsylvania Ave NW
	North Building, Suite 600
	Washington, DC 20004

It looks like my email didn't properly show the attachment. I am re-posting to make sure.

Attachments

BTOPNTIARFI.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-05-08T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Municipal Tower, Inc.
Email:	gthompson@municipaltower.com
Address:	18500 Lake Road
	Suite 230
	Rocky River, OH 44116

Muncipal Tower, Inc. (www.municipaltower.com) was formed to help pump money back into local governments. Our mission is to assist municipalities in the construction or replacement of communications towers and then leasing out space to wireless telecommunications carriers.
We belive that our services can be a vital part of expanding wireless broadband services to rural areas and at the same time generate revenues for local governments.
We have two requests (exclussive of each other):
1. Federal funding made available to municipalities to construct or replace telecommunications towers
2. Financial assistance (grants) to Municipal Tower, Inc. for its advancement of municipal tower ownership and public awareness as it relates to the wireless telecommunications industry

ARRA BTOP Correspondent's list

2009-05-07T20:01:00Z

NTIA:

Please add me to your correspondent's list.

Thank you.

Chris Tamarin
Telecommunications Coordinator
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
121 SW Salmon Street, Suite 205
Portland, Oregon 97204
503 508-0178 Voice/Cell
503 581-5115 Fax
Christopher.Tamarin@state.or.us   
www.oregon.gov/ECDD

Web Form Comment

2009-05-07T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NTIA and USDA RUS
Email:	cathybarabe@whccd.edu
Address:	9900 Cody St.
	Coalinga, CA 93210

Please make guidelines broad enough to actually make an impact. Currently the rural communities of Fresno County in CA do NOT have broadband access. The county office of education needs $5 million to connect 32 school districtss and 200,000 rural students.Another $300,000 would provide access for 146,000 homes. Use this $ to make an impact and create sustaining change, not just bandaids for little projects. Thank you foryour vision!

Web Form Comment

2009-05-07T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Peter Flood
Email:	peterflood@aol.com
Address:	15 N Pleasant Ave
	Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Please add me to the correspondence list.

Update info

2009-05-07T20:01:00Z

Would you put me on a contact list to keep me updated on BTOP
guidelines.  Would you allow me to call you with a few questions about
this program?

Correspondence List

2009-05-07T20:01:00Z

Please add me to the correspondence list.  Thank you.
 
__________________________________________
Lee G. Petro, Esquire| Fletcher Heald & Hildreth, PLC
1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 1100| Arlington, VA 22209
Tel: 703.812.0453| Fax: 703.812.0486| Mobile: 703.798.2001 
petro@fhhlaw.com   | www.fhhlaw.com
  | www.commlawblog.com
 
 
TAX ADVICE DISCLAIMER: Under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations, we
are required to inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this
email or any attachment hereto is not intended or written to be used,
and cannot be used, either (i) for purposes of avoiding penalties
imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) for promoting,
marketing, or recommending to another party any tax-related matter
addressed herein.

This electronic message transmission contains information from this law
firm which may be confidential or privileged. The information is
intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above. If
you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure,
copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is
prohibited.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-07T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gary Shields
Email:	gary.shields@k2cable.com
Address:	PO Box 232
	Mead, CO 80542

Dear USDA/NTIA/RUS,

I am writing in order to express my concern regarding the RUS award to Open Range Communications. This award is a concern to me for several reasons that I will discuss below.

First, I am a system owner/operator in an area that Open Range Communications intends to serve. The service area is Mead, Colorado and there are currently 3 providers (myself, Qwest and Skybeam) that provide Broadband Services to the 1150 homes within the service area.

I was not informed by anybody at USDA/NTIA/RUS that there was a provider or a start up company trying to come to my service area and that they were attempting to secure RUS funds. This lack of notification may greatly impact my ability to continue in business and in accordance with current guidelines my system will be excluded from being able to receive future funding because of the Open Range Communications award.

In 2003, I contacted RUS in hopes that I could receive funds in order to upgrade the system attributes within the service area and I met with a RUS representative from Parker, Colorado. This RUS representative told me that she was very reluctant to consider my system because of the population which at the time was approximately 2,000 residents (more than 20 dwellings per mile) as well as other demographics such as the median household income of the area and the proximity of my system to Longmont, Colorado. Also, this RUS representative told me that because I was proposing VoIP telephone service that my application would more than likely not be accepted because nobody at RUS supported the deployment of VoIP.

I do understand that some of the rules applicable to receiving RUS funds may have changed since 2003 and I have been hopeful that as a result of those changes as well as the passing of the Presidents Broadband Stimulus package, that my system would be able to benefit from these and that we would be able to deploy upgrades in our systems architecture such as fiber to the home and wireless broadband technology (of which I am very experienced and well qualified to construct and operate).

I am concerned that now that Open Range Communications has been awarded RUS funds, that my system will be excluded from participation in USDA/NTIA/RUS opportunities in the future.

My family and my partners and their families have put a tremendous amount of our own resources into our business model and our service area; we chose to provide service in this area when no other providers saw it as an opportunity.

We live in our service area and our children attend the schools here. In short, we are a part of this community and a part of our service area. I fail to see how awarding Open Range Communications with the RUS funds has benefited anybody within our service area. In fact, I would say the opposite, that through this award, many people including the residents within our service area will be hurt by this award.

I have researched the Open Range Communications website and have researched the guidelines by which I believe that Open Range Communications was awarded RUS funding. I have several concerns regarding their award.

I question the thoroughness of RUS in determining the award to Open Range Communications mostly because of the areas that Open Range Communications has disclosed that they intend to serve and the technology by which they confess that they will deploy these services.

Areas such as Ft. Collins, Colorado; Greeley, Colorado; Longmont, Colorado; and Loveland, Colorado which are identified on the Open Range Communications and USDA website as areas that they are going to serve, all have populations drastically above any population level ever identified by USDA/NTIA/RUS as being rural. In fact, of the above municipalities, the smallest population is Loveland, Colorado which has a published 2008 population of 64,429.

Additionally, I do not understand how RUS approved the deployment of the 4G technology by which Open Range Communications intends to deploy.

In short, I have so many questions regarding the award of the RUS funds to Open Range Communications that I cannot determine what criteria may have been considered by RUS in making the award.

I am calling upon the USDA/NTIA/RUS and others and would like for you to consider this mailing as a formal request to stop the award to Open Range Communications until such time that their application and plan can be reviewed and a determination can be made as to the validity of the application and award as well as weather or not the funds can or should be distributed in a manner that would better suit existing providers in these areas that are already providing broadband services.

Recently I have made several inquiries to the USDA and until this time, they have gone unanswered. I am hopeful that this mailing will generate a response from somebody within your organization that will contact me in short order to discuss these items above.

Sincerely,

Gary R. Shields
K2 Communications, LLC
720-641-5537 direct line

Web Form Comment

2009-05-07T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kevin Micklitz
Email:	Kmicklitz@chamberlainresearch.com
Address:	660 John Nolen Drive
	Madison, WI 53713

Please add me to the correspondence list.

Broadband Grant

2009-05-07T08:01:00Z

Request Information on how to request and apply for the broadband grant for my community and surroundings.

 

I am a small business in South Georgia, please help me to become apart of this initiative.

 

Thank You.




Melvin
BCS Computer Services 
(912) 739-9600 Telephone 
(912) 739-2828 Fax
(912) 541-0591 Cell
bcscomputers@bcs4.net
"Reaching out to Touch"

Your Invitation to CORTESE.US

2009-05-07T00:01:00Z

Attachments

cortese flag.gif

Web Form Comment

2009-05-06T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	SNOCOM 9-1-1
Email:	dhudson@snocom.org
Address:	POB 180
	Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Please add to correspondence list

Web Form Comment

2009-05-06T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Scott Freedman
Email:	sjf2116@hotmail.com
Address:	sjf2116@hotmail.com
	Bethesda, MD 20817

I would like to be added to the correspondence list for all broadband initiative news. Thank you.

Alcatel-Lucent ARRA BTOP Filing

2009-05-06T16:01:00Z

Please see the attached letter from Robert Vrij, President
Alcatel-Lucent, in response to a letter dated April 2, 2009 by Zhone's
CEO, Mory Ejabat, regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's
"Buy American" provision.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Michael Thomas McMenamin

Sr. Counsel - Managing Director

Americas Region

Alcatel-Lucent

1100 New York Avenue, NW

Suite 640 West Tower

Washington, DC  20005

 

Direct Number:  202.312.5916

Mobile:  703.307.4920

mcmenamin@alcatel-lucent.com

 

Note:  This message, and any attachments, is intended only for the
recipient(s) identified above.  The information contained in this
message may be privileged, confidential or proprietary, and its use or
disclosure by other than intended recipient(s) is prohibited and may be
unlawful.  If you have received this message in error, please delete it,
and do not distribute or retain a copy of it.

Attachments

Document.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-05-06T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeff Rummel, Esq. and Alan Fishel, Esq.
Law firm:	Arent Fox LLP
Attorney:	Jeff Rummel, Esq. and Alan Fishel, Esq.
Email:	rummelj@arentfox.com
Address:	1050 Connecticut Ave., NW
	Washington, DC 20036

See Attacchment

Attachments

NTIAExParte.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-05-06T04:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara C. Wedeman, President, Behavioral Economics Consulting Group
Email:	sara@behavioraleconomics.net
Address:	8327 Germantown Avenue
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

This is a corrected copy of the 12-page slide deck I submitted last week. The only thing that is different in this version is the last bullet point on page ten, which should now makes a lot more sense than it used to.

Attachments

impactofpd03.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-05-06T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Koopa Technologies
Email:	erich@koopatech.com
Address:	405 Main Ave W
	West Fargo, ND 58078

Please place me on the list to receive notice of activities pertaining
to the Broadband Initiatives created in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Erich Johnson
Koopa Technologies
erich@koopatech.com

Web Form Comment

2009-05-06T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	James Szyperski
Email:	jims@windchannel.com
Address:	75 Fifth Street
	Suite 319
	Atlanta, GA 30308

interest in applying for the upcoming grant opportunities. Please include me in all correspondence. Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-05T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Steven McGee, SAW Concepts LLC
Email:	ceo_heartbeacon@hushmail.com
Address:	PO Box 28
	Oceanport, NJ 07757

The Heart Beacon is awaiting a response from the Department of Homeland Security and is in the publication stage of the patent process. It is intended to be self funding and sustaining with
Native American indigenous sovereign nations leading.

The Heart Beacon is the basis for telecommunications infrastructure failover such as what would be tested at the Department of Energy NISAC facility yet was developed for low bandwidth tactical radio links to support operational schemes in harsh / remote (rural) environments.

- The heartbeat is simply an interval in time to gather more state meta than usual that in turn sets up enhanced network management mechanisms referred by the military as "maneuvering the network"
aiding in "spontaneous integration" of adhoc groups.

- It has been trained to soldiers implementing these procedures in conditions that would approximate less than optimal first responder conditions and is primarily a training challenge since these
procedures have been in use by the military for over a decade and in use by the DHS on their Blackberry and other handheld devices since 2004.

- APCO / NENA regulations stipulate the heartbeat sub protocol and heart beat messages as do financial SWIFT protocol systems and military network warfare systems = the same common denominators.

Without consistent, common use of these common denominators in use on every networked device on the planet a Single Integrated Operational Picture SIOP a.k.a. the grail as stated by Office
Secretary of Defense OSD IT personel is not achievable any time soon.

The military provides 20% of its own communications and the remainder it leases from telcos and large government contracts like NETWORX. The military would realize an 80% greater usage rate of their Network Centric Warfare and First Responders would be able to achieve data interoperability, synchronicity and the benefits of network centric operations -- not
to mention effectively respond to the next 9/11 type scenario currently impossible due to different data transaction formats and different data harvesting intervals... etc.

http://knowledgetoday.org/wiki/index.php/User_talk:Stevenjmcgee

SJM
Steven J. McGee |SAW Concepts LLC|Simple Wins Concept LLC CEO / Scribe for The Heart_Beacon|
PO Box 28 Oceanport NJ| 07757-1354|
Office: 732.229.7275|Cell:732.768.5440|
Web: http://sawconcepts.com|
Secure E-Form: https://forms.hush.com/ceo_heartbeacon
E:mail: ceo_heartbeacon@hushmail.com

Attachments

correspondence list for NTIA ARRA grants

2009-05-05T20:01:00Z

Please add me to the correspondence list for NTIA ARRA grant
information. 

 

Amy C. Tykeson

President/CEO

BendBroadband (Bend Cable Communications LLC)

63090 Sherman Rd. 

Bend, OR 97701 

atykeson@bendbroadband.net  

541.312-6442 (Office)

541.617-8420 (Fax)

Web Form Comment

2009-05-05T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joe Barfield
Email:	joe.barfield@ops.org
Address:	3215 Cuming Street
	Omaha, NE 68131

Our telecommunications division has an interest in applying for the upcoming grant opportunities. Please include me in all correspondence. Thank you.

ARRA BTOP Notice

2009-05-05T00:01:00Z

On May 1, 2009, John Marinho, Vice President of Public Affairs for
Alcatel-Lucent Americas, spoke with Mark Seifert with the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), regarding
Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  

 

Mr. Marinho restated Alcatel-Lucent's support for a public interest
waiver of Section 1605's application to broadband electronics acquired
by State and Local governmental entities participating in NTIA's
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and RUS's broadband
programs.  In the context of broadband deployment construction labor
represents the majority of broadband network deployment costs, not
broadband electronics themselves, and waiver will help stimulate
immediate job creation.  Waiver of Section 1605 to broadband electronics
will also serve the public interest by ensuring that State and Local
government applicants have access to a competitive market for broadband
equipment, and to reflect Congress' directive that ARRA grant programs
honor U.S. trade agreements. 

.

Broadband Deployment = Construction Labor

 

As addressed in Alcatel-Lucent's comments, in Alcatel-Lucent's
experience, between 70 and 90 percent of the cost of next generation
broadband network deployment is directed toward the labor element of
deployment, not broadband equipment. Broadband network construction is
most important, in the context of ARRA, for providing immediate job
stimulus for construction workers and technicians regardless of the
source location of the equipment being deployed. These percentages vary
depending on the rural, suburban, or urban nature of the deployment, as
well as the broadband technology to be deployed, but the market reality
remains constant: broadband deployment dollars are primarily directed at
labor, not equipment. 

 

Applying Section 1605 to broadband equipment will only slow down the
potential for State and Local government broadband projects to have a
stimulative impact on the U.S. economy, by creating uncertainty for
State and Local grant applicants in terms of the products available for
their purchase, which has a direct impact on project costs and potential
network capabilities. An administrative process requiring
application-by-application or product-by-product waiver will, similarly,
delay the stimulative benefits of State and Local government broadband
deployment. The fact remains that the ICT industry is global in nature,
and the overwhelming majority of broadband equipment is not manufactured
in the U.S. Even to the extent a particular type of equipment may be
manufactured by an entity in the U.S., such limited domestic production
cannot supplant the vibrant and competitive market for broadband
equipment globally. 

 

Public Interest Waiver Honors U.S. Trade Agreements

 

In the specific context of State and Local governmental entities, NTIA
and RUS must appreciate that while the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has sought to avoid discriminatory treatment of products under
Section 1605 when such products are manufactured in nations that are
party to trade agreements with the U.S., most State and Local
governments are either not parties to those agreements, or in the case
of State governments, are only parties to a limited extent. A waiver of
ARRA's Buy American provision to broadband equipment will, in addition
to providing State and Local entities with access to the same range of
competitive products as the private sector, ensure that the NTIA and RUS
programs meet the spirit of Congress' direction that ARRA programs honor
U.S. trade agreements.

 

Broadband Equipment Categories

 

For the foregoing reasons, NTIA and RUS should extend a public interest
waiver of Section 1605 to broadband electronics products in the
following categories: 

 

Broadband ICT Products

Routers

- Edge

- Core

- Residential Access , including cable modem termination system and IP
set top boxes

- Commercial Access, including local access routers

Switches

- Edge

- Core
- Residential Access
- Commercial Access

Optical

- Access
- Metro
- Transport

Subscriber Management Hardware and Software
- Security
- Management Applications
- Storage
- Data Center Switching
- Load Balancing

Wireless Access
- WiMAX
- WiFi
- CDMA
- UMTS
- LTE

 

Sincerely,

 

Michael McMenamin

CWA Buy America Ex Parte

2009-05-04T20:01:00Z

Mark -
 
Attached is the CWA Ex Parte on the Buy America provisions. You will find a CWA proposal to streamline implementation of these provisions. I am happy to discuss this further with you.
 
Debbie
 
 
Debbie Goldman
Telecommunications Policy Director and Research Economist
Communications Workers of America
501 Third St N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-434-1194 (phone)
202-434-1201 (fax)
dgoldman@cwa-union.org

Attachments

CWA Buy America Ex Parte.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-05-04T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brian Demarest
Email:	bdemarest@aframcorp.com
Address:	1601 Olive Street
	St. Louis, MO 63103

Our telecommunications division has an interest in applying for the upcoming grant opportunities. Please include me in all correspondence. Thank you.

Your Invitation to CORTESE.US

2009-05-03T00:01:00Z

Attachments

Notice of Ex Parte Discussion/Cisco Systems

2009-05-03T00:01:00Z

On May 1, 2009, Jeffrey A. Campbell, Senior Director of Technology and
Trade Policy for Cisco Systems, Inc. spoke telephonically with Mark
Seifert, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary, NTIA regarding the
applicability of the "Buy America" provisions of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Broadband Technology Opportunities
Program and the Rural Utilities Service.   Mr. Campbell reiterated
Cisco's position that the NTIA and RUS should grant a public interest
waiver of the "Buy America" provisions for certain electronic products
for reasons delineated in Cisco's earlier filings in this proceeding.
Specifically, the completely globalized supply chain of the broadband
equipment sector means that many types of the most important equipment
is not produced in the United States.  Preventing the use of globally
sourced equipment in broadband projects under the BTOP and RUS would
significantly limit product and technology choices and could impair the
ability of the programs to succeed.  Reorienting the global electronics
supply chain for this specific program in a short period of time would
be both inefficient and expensive.  Additionally, Cisco notes that
Office of Management and Budget's Implementation Guidelines for ARRA
grant programs indicates that grants to private sector entities would
not have any "Buy America" requirements while those to public sector
entities would.  A public interest waiver would also be justified to
allow public sector entities to access the same broadband equipment as
the private sector entities.

The specific equipment that should receive the public interest waiver
is:

Routers 
    - Edge
    - Core
    - Residential Access, including cable modem termination system and
IP set top boxes
    - Commercial Access, including local access routers
 
Switches
    - Edge 
    - Core
    - Residential Access
    - Commercial Access
 
Wireless Access
    - WiMAX
    - WiFi
    -	CMDA
    -	UMTS
    -	LTE
 
Optical
    - Access
    - Metro
    - Transport
 
Subscriber Management Hardware and Software
    - Security
    - Management Applications
    - Storage
    - Data Center Switching
    - Load Balancing

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	West Monroe Partners
Email:	dbelmont@westmonroepartners.com
Address:	175 W. Jackson Blvd
	Chicago, IL 60604

We are working with many entities and have pending grant projects, so we are requesting that all updates be emailed to us. Thanks,

Fwd: BTOP

2009-05-01T20:01:00Z


>>> "Gary Chesser"  5/1/2009 1:43:16 PM >>>
Ms. Jefferson,I am trying to find the latest update on the BTOP
activities and if an Application form(s) has been created yet? Thank
You, Gary Gary ChesserNPG Voice ServicesOffice 816-273-0298Home Office
816-387-8996Cell. 816-294-3113

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	James Driessen
Law firm:	Driessen Law
Attorney:	James Driessen
Email:	jd@driessenlaw.com
Address:	435 North Main Street
	La Verkin, UT 84745

Re"dish"tribution

Unlicensed spectrum is critical for the development of wireless computer networking. The pressing demand for wireless Internet provides us an opportunity to reconsider this experiment in unlicensed spectrum. "Community Mobile" is the template for new networks in the unlicensed spectrum that would promote the development of wireless Internet and our national interests.

Attachments

INVITEE.pdf

Fwd: Grant Proposal for Health Technology /IT

2009-05-01T16:01:00Z


>>> "Greg Johnson2"  5/1/2009 10:28:59 AM >>>

Ms. Francine Jefferson
TOP Program Officer
National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230


Dear Ms. Jefferson,

My name is Greg Johnson, and I am the CTO for the Virginia
Commonwealth
University Health System (VCUHS), a major inner-city Academic Medical
Center, located in downtown Richmond Virginia. I am writing you to
discuss
the possibility of developing a grant proposal and submittal in support
of
our Electronic Medical Record system as well as other clinical and
non-clinical systems utilizing wireless technology.

Several months ago we opened up our new Critical Care Hospital (CCH) -
a
state-of-the-art facility designed to maximize the integrated usage of
a
wide variety of disparate wireless systems, ranging from 802.11
wireless
Networks, to Telemetry Systems, to ASCOM & Vocera VoIP communications
systems, paging systems, cell phones, sophisticated NICU monitoring
equipment, etc. The CCH has been extremely successful in its
implementation
of this wireless technology, resulting in improved patient outcomes,
greater patient care and patient safety. The backbone for this
complex,
cutting-edge technology is a system called The InnerWireless Horizon
System, which is essentially a passive Distributed Antennae System
(DAS)
which was installed during the physical construction of the CCH. This
system facilitates the usage of a wide array of wireless technologies
between the frequency range of 400 MHz to 6000 MHz , enabling and
providing
ubiquitous, stable, and reliable coverage throughout this large (15
story,
376,000 sq. ft.) facility. The success and adoption of the technology
has
been extremely well received by clinicians and patients alike. In terms
of
the complexity of the environment we have created, it is one of the
only
Institutions in the world that has achieved this level of integration
and
success.

That's the good news. Now to the reason for my email. In the realm of
unintended consequences, we have created a situation wherein the rest
of
our Medical Center, which does not enjoy an InnerWireless backbone,
has
quickly become a "sore point" amongst our clinicians as they have
readily
seen that they are not able to provide the same level of service, use
the
same level of integrated technology, or have the same level of
wireless
technology reliability as in the CCH. This is viewed as an
unacceptable
situation. However, in order for us to retrofit our pre-existing
physical
structures (specifically our Main and North Hospitals both of which are
on
our Urban campus, as is the CCH), we would need to spend somewhere in
the
neighborhood of $3-$3.5M to bring the InnerWireless system into the
existing facilities.

It is our belief that by doing so, not only would the rest of the
Medical
Center enjoy the same high level of patient services as the new CCH
does,
but it will raise the level of care in the Central Virginia area
significantly, as well as serve as a model for other Health Systems
throughout the country. Working in partnership with our vendor,
InnerWireless, we would like to work with you to help us in crafting a
proposal that would meet your grant submission criteria so that we
could
apply for a grant enabling us to achieve this retrofit and realize all
of
the benefits noted above.

I would very much appreciate setting up a time to either talk with you,
or
perhaps even meet with you in person, to discuss our proposal, and how
we
can go about developing this proposal. I should note that neither
myself
nor my team, nor our partners at InnerWireless have any grant writing
experience, and would therefore need your assistance in developing a
viable
proposal.

Please feel free to contact me and/or Mr. Frank Lasky of InnerWireless
at
the numbers listed below, or via email. I look forward to speaking with
you
in the very near future.

Sincerely,

Greg Johnson

Director & CTO
IT Technology & Engineering Services
VCU Health System Information Systems
804.828.6153

Frank J. Lasky
Director of Sales
InnerWireless, Inc
15446 Legacy Way
Haymarket, VA 20169
(703) 754-7345 Wired
(571) 277-0458 Wireless
flasky@innerwireless.com
www.innerwireless.com
(Embedded image moved to file: pic13977.jpg)
cid:image001.jpg@01C96432.6F29C2C0

(Embedded image moved to file: pic02306.jpg)
cid:image001.jpg@01C98C6E.1A169AB0NOTE:  The information contained in
this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from
disclosure.  If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution
or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you have
received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by
replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.
--------------------------------------
VCU Health System
http://www.vcuhealth.org

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T16:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rebecca Suhajda
Email:	rebecca.suhajda@hoffmanestates.org
Address:	1900 Hassell Rd
	Rebecca Suhajda
	Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

Please add me to the list. Thank you.

Rebecca Suhajda
rebecca.suhajda@hoffmanestates.org
1900 Hassell Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847)781-2616

Add Me to List

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Please add my name to your correspondence list.  Thanks.

Jim Scheppke, State Librarian
Oregon State Library
250 Winter St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4367
(fax) 503-585-8059
jim.b.scheppke@state.or.us

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara C Wedeman, Ph.D.
Address:	8327 Germantown Avenue
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

This is actually a question/concern. Two days ago, I submitted a comment, along with two documents in pdf format, to this site. So far, I don't see any evidence to suggest you have received them. I'm attaching the confirmation page I got, in case it will help you locate them. Thank you! Sara Wedeman

Attachments

2ndbtopcomment.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kim Reid
Email:	kreid4@nc.rr.com
Address:	5512 Old Still Rd.
	Wake Forest, NC 27587

Please add me to your BTOP correspondence list.
Thank you

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Richard M. Nixon
Email:	007doe@gmail.com
Address:	1313 Mockingbird Way
	Anytown, OH 12345

This is a test.

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael Cramer
Email:	mikec@bmpsales.com
Address:	53 East Broadway Suite B
	Little Falls, MN 56345

This program would do the public a great service if it would provide grant monies to rural small business wireless broadband providers such as Business Machines Plus.

We are a startup trying to provide wireless to areas not serviced by any high speed service except satelite. We currently service about a 5 mile radius and have request for areas we can not quite quite reach due to terrain. The major tower companies make it cost prohibitive for us to rent space and purchasing our own towers and installing them is expensive.

We feel if we could erect a few more towers, we could serve the area quite well, but can not justify the expense due to our return on investment (ROI). I am sure the major players would say the same, but they seem to concentrate on the areas that will produce the best ROI (high concentration of potential subscribers).

You might consider making RURAL your primary consideration in making a grant,rather than who might be able to write the best grant proposal. Look at the demographics and availability of high speed as your primary consideration. If you do, then put us on the list for an application.

Thank you,

Michael Cramer
President
Business Machines Plus, Inc. and Little Falls Wireless

Attachments

Correspondence List

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Hello,

Please add me to your email and correspondence lists for NTIA grant
information. We currently have a grant proposal in place in Oregon.

Thank you!

Theodore Wadman, CEO
Next Gen Phone Systems
314 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97330
541-360-0300

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chuck Williams
Email:	chuck.williams@whro.org
Address:	5200 Hampton Blvd
	Norfolk, VA 23508

request to join the correspondence list for BTOP

Contact information:
Chuck Williams
Director of IT
WHRO
Norfolk, VA 23508
757-889-9400
chuck.williams@whro.org

Web Form Comment

2009-05-01T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chris Weiss
Email:	help@northvalleywireless.net
Address:	North Valley Wireless
	PO Box 7727
	Chico, CA 95927

Would like to request any updates be emailed to us, thank you

Web Form Comment

2009-04-30T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara C. Wedeman, President, Behavioral Economics Consulting Group
Email:	sara@behavioraleconomics.net
Address:	8327 Germantown Avenue
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

It is very important that data on broadband access be collected as part of the full Decennial Census, to be conducted in 2010. In the two attached documents, I explain and illustrate why this is so urgent.

Attachments

BTOP - Innovative Programs Support

2009-04-29T00:01:00Z

Dear BTOP Staff,

I attended a conference on the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act
yesterday. Mr. Ed Smith gave an informative presentation on behalf of
the NTIA.

The Apollo Theater's educational programs include the development of a
new technological platform to deliver educational services to school
systems via videoconference technology. The platform is being developed
in partnership with the New York Institute of Technology and the
Educational Enterprise Zone. I believe this program (and perhaps a few
other initiatives at the Theater) may be eligible for some support from
BTOP.

We are looking forward to the official announcement of the application
guidelines and timeline. Please feel free to add me to relevant
listservs/mailing lists, etc.

Thank you, in advance, for your ongoing service. I look forward to
hearing from you soon.

Best Regards,

Derek McPhatter
Development Manager, Corporate & Foundation Relations
Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.
253 West 125th Street
New York, New York 10027
Direct: 212.531.5385
Fax: 212.749.2743
http://www.apollotheater.org/

This message contains confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify derek.mcphatter@apollotheater.org immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. E-mail transmission cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. Derek McPhatter therefore does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required please request a hard-copy version.

Add name to list please

2009-04-29T00:01:00Z

Mona Lauber

Director of Planning

Las Vegas, Clark County Urban League

930 W. Owens Ave.

Las Vegas, NV 89106

(702)  636-3949

mlauber@lvccul.org

Web Form Comment

2009-04-25T00:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Andy Lopez
Email:	alopez@info-link.net
Address:	514 Atlantic Ave
	PO Box 149
	Morris, MN 56267

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
and the
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service

RE: AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009
BROADBAND INITIATIVES

FROM: Andy Lopez, President Info Link Wireless, Inc
Dian Lopez, Vice-President 514 Atlantic Ave
PO Box 149
Morris, MN 56267

We are a small private company successfully providing Internet services for over 15 years to rural communities in west central Minnesota. We are 90% female and minority owned with the owners including a PhD in Engineering, a PhD in Computer Science and an MS in Finance. We have provided all business financing through loans and our own private funds. We serve the rural areas of Morris, Montevideo, Appleton, Benson, Ortonville, Perkins Lake, Lake Ida, Donnelly, Hancock, Herman, DeGraf, Holloway and Clontarf with wired and wireless broadband Internet service.

Large telecommunication companies, with their lobbyists, have received billions of taxpayer dollars for rural broadband infrastructure. Now they have convinced the FCC to restructure the EBS/ITFS licensed broadband channels that we have leased for seven years, forcing to us to upgrade our Base station and Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). We were promised, by lawyers in Washington, DC that we would be compensated (by the proponents of the new channel plan) to upgrade our equipment for the new channel plan the FCC is forcing upon us. To date we have spent $21,000 to upgrade our base station and some of the CPE’s and have not received any COMPENSATION for this work. We need another $40,000 to upgrade the remaining CPEs so they are compatible with the new FCC channel plan. To date we have only been offered technical advice, which we do not need.

What is the purpose of this FCC mandated change? So that large companies can monopolize more of the spectrum and make larger profits at the expense of smaller rural based entrepreneurial organizations? So that large companies can appropriate licensed channels and move our licensed services to other smaller pieces of channel? We cannot afford to hire professionals to lobby congress in our behalf.

We were the first company offering Internet services in our area and are proud of our services to rural communities. Please help us to recoup the $60,000+ needed to move our equipment into the new FCC-mandated channel plan that the legislature has given away without our consent.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-25T00:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Law firm:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLp
Attorney:	Gloria Tristani
Address:	1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
	2nd Floor
	Washington, DC 20036

Errata to Comments submitted by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association on April 13, 2009

Attachments

BTOP NRECA Erratum.pdf

Correspondence list

2009-04-24T20:01:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:

Please add me to your correspondence list.  My contact information is
set forth in the below.  Please let me know if you need any other
information.

Thank you,

Mark Trinchero | Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
1300 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 2300 | Portland, OR 97201
Tel: (503) 778-5318 | Fax: (503) 778-5299 | Mobile: (503) 880-9693
Email: marktrinchero@dwt.com | Website: www.dwt.com
 

Anchorage | Bellevue | Los Angeles | New York | Portland | San Francisco
| Seattle | Shanghai | Washington, D.C.


Disclaimer: This message may contain confidential communications
protected by the attorney client privilege. If you received this message
in error, please delete it and notify the sender.

Fwd: broadband comment

2009-04-24T20:01:00Z

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T20:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Steven A. Zecola
Email:	Steve@Be-Differentiated.com
Address:	1 Hickory Knoll Place
	Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Please see the attached late-filed comment and my asssociated comment to the FCC.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cyber Digital, Inc.
Email:	jcchatpar@cyberdigitalinc.com
Address:	400 Oser Ave., Suite 1650
	Hauppauge, NY 11788

Please add to BTOP mailing list

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mount Juliet, TN
Email:	jlongway@longwaybroadband.com
Address:	Mount Juliet, TN
	mount juliet, TN 37122

I've spoken to and have advised many states in creating a comprehensive State Broadband Program to serve the rural or underserved areas with broadband. I'm a registered federal contractor and would like the opportunity to compete in the competitive bidding process for the underserved broadband mapping project or any other related programs. The goal of any program should be to create an accurate "GIS" map representing broadband deployment, set up a program to help build out these networks, and to determine a minimum speed to which broadband can be measured..for which my company has the expertise in doing just that.

These policies and programs dominate Federal and State politics, the national election, and which is receiving stimulus monies...lack of broadband availability and connectivity is now a national issue supported by both parties. The overall importance of the availability and connectivity issue correlates with jobs, health care, information technology, and education. The fact I'm one of a handful of companies that specialize in broadband planning at the State level...I should be included in any discussion to help in broadband planning and execution at the Federal Level.

I'm available anytime and I would love to talk with you regarding this issue!

Please take a look at my companies website it may help with understanding the issue.... http://www.longwaybroadband.com/

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Colleen Johnson
Email:	cjnurse@comcast.net
Address:	1523 NE 76th Street
	Seattle, WA, WA 98115

Interested in applying for a $25,000. grant for CJNURSE, Inc to link nursing staff with wireless GPS communication technology for small business consistent with private duty nursing. Incorporated in State of Washington on March 9, 2009.

Please advise if correct format. Thank you

Your Invitation to CORTESE.US

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Steven Glapa, Zhone Technologies, Inc.
Address:	7001 Oakport Street
	Oakland, CA 94621

Subject: An Erratum to Zhone's April 2 Public Comment

Dear All: It has come to our attention that our source on the profile of manufacturing operations for one of the vendors listed in Exhibit 3 (on page 3) of our public comment submission dated April 2, 2009, was in error. The "Manufacturing" entry for the fourth vendor from the top should be "Yes" rather than "Partial". Please include this updated information in your consideration of the submission.

Regards,

Steven Glapa
VP of Product Management and Marketing
Zhone Technologies, Inc.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Doug Hawk
Email:	dhawk@corp.mtco.com
Address:	220 N Menard
	Metamora, IL 61548

Could you please add me to any mailing lists that you have regarding BTOP and when the formal bid process and forms will be available.
Thank You.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mike Gagnon
Email:	professorm15@peoplepc.com
Address:	2203 S. Washburn rd
	Davison, MI 48423

We own a small bussiness in Lapeer county MI. There is no broadband access in our area. We currently use dial up. Broadband access would increase our productivity greatly. We would like to have highspeed acces via phoneline-tower etc... Supposedly the 7.2 Billion was for peple like us. Please help us. Thank you.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	5000 Estate Enighed, PMB#68, St. John, VI 00830
Email:	rboulon@gmail.com
Address:	5000 Estate Enighed, PMB#68,
	St. John, VI 00830

Here in the Virgin Islands we have many difficulties in obtaining reliable high speed access to the internet. Our terrain and separate islands pose challenges that need to be overcome. I currently use an on-line DSL connection both at home and work but it is not fast nor reliable. I would support any local companies who wish to obtain grant funds to improve internet access by any means that is reasonably priced for the consumer. Thank you.

Notice of ex parte discussion by Gregory L. Rosston

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

On April 21, 2009, Gregory L. Rosston, Deputy Director, Stanford Institute
for Economic Policy Research sent the following e-mail to Susan Crawford of
the National Economic Council   as a follow up to our ex parte meeting on
April 17, 2009.   It was also sent on April 22, 2009 to Tom Power of NTIA

Sincerely,

Gregory L. Rosston

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Greg Rosston 
Date: Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 8:58 AM
Subject: Re: Ex parte and follow up
To: "Crawford, Susan P." 
Cc: Paul Milgrom , Andy Skrzypacz ,
Scott Wallsten 

Dear Susan,

Thanks for organizing such a great and well-prepared group to meet with me
last week on such short notice.  It is great that you all are working so
hard on implementing this in such a quick and efficient manner.  (Please
don't forget to send me a list so I can file an ex parte.  I will also file
this as an ex parte so you can send it along also)

I wanted to clarify a couple of things that we discussed.  we are all happy
to talk more and help out in any way you desire.

1.  Single round vs. Multiple round.

We advocated a single round sealed-bid design. In principle, anything that
can be accomplished by any multi-round auction mechanism can be accomplished
by some sealed-bid auction. Sometimes it may be easier to convey complex
contingent messages in a "dialog" with the auctioneer that takes two or more
rounds, such as in the ascending multi-item auctions the FCC runs. Against
that supposed advantage is the fact that multi-round auctions can be slow
and expensive and the extra rounds may not solve the relevant problems.

A bidder who wants just one (or two or...) from a set of items can just name
maximum prices for each item and also specify that this applies to a maximum
of one (or two or...). The MAXIMUMS are key. The very rudimentary auction
rules included in our proposal allow bidders to report such maximums. With a
small extension (already implemented in software that Paul Milgrom has
developed), bids with individual prices and suitable maximum quantities can
capture the same substitution possibilities that a multi-round auction can
capture.

In other words, single rounds can provide the benefits of a multiple round
auction without the extensive number of rounds and time.

2.  Package bidding

We did not talk in the submission much about package bidding because of the
ability for bidders to delineate their desired service territory.  But, we
could use package bidding or, more importantly, restrictions to ensure that
bidders do not win more projects than they can handle.  For example, bidders
can include complex preferences in their bids such as "no more than X
dollars worth of projects, project A before project B, etc.

3.  "Public interest" considerations

In our submission we advocate minimizing subjective considerations because
they are likely to be highly subjective due to inherently competing
definitions of �public interest.�  It is possible, however, to incorporate
other considerations if desired.  It would be possible, for example, to
include particular considerations, such as the requirement to allocate at
least $200 million to community colleges and libraries, into a separate
review process and auction the rest of the stimulus money.  Alternatively,
one might create "household equivalents" for libraries such as a percentage
of the number of households within X miles of the library weighted by the
hours and a library factor.  Then projects with both libraries and
households being served could be compared directly.

4.  Clarity and transparency

One of the key ideas is to set out scoring criteria in advance of
submission.  That way you will be able to achieve your stated goals, bidders
will know how to design projects to achieve your goals, and everyone will
have the same information about how the process will work in advance of the
process.

5.  Enforcement

 There were several questions about enforcement and ensuring that winners
follow through on their plans.  As we said in our submission, we agree that
this is critical.  However, it is critical regardless of the selection
process so should not be considered an issue unique to auctions -- all
procurement processes need to have a way to ensure performance.

Thanks again for making the time and gathering everyone.  We are all
available to help in any way we can.  I will be in DC again in a couple of
weeks (May 7-8) if you want to talk in person.

Greg (and Paul, Andy and Scott)

On Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 12:05 PM, Crawford, Susan P. <
Susan_P._Crawford@who.eop.gov> wrote:

>  Everyone wanted to meet you!
>
>
>
> I will send you a list for the ex parte.
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________
>
>
>
> Susan Crawford
>
> National Economic Council
>
> 202 456 1410 (p)
>
> 202 503 5416 (c)
>   ------------------------------
>
> *From:* grosston@gmail.com [mailto:grosston@gmail.com] *On Behalf Of *Greg
> Rosston
> *Sent:* Monday, April 20, 2009 3:04 PM
> *To:* Crawford, Susan P.
> *Subject:* Ex parte and follow up
>
>
>
> Susan,
>
> Thanks a lot for taking the time to meet with me on Friday.  I did not
> expect such a large turnout.  At some point, hopefully we can get together
> for a less formal social visit when I am in town.
>
> I plan to send you a slightly longer e-mail later today clarifying a few
> ideas that I think came out of the meeting.
>
> I think I need to submit an ex parte saying who I met with, etc.  Can you
> give me a list of the people who were there?  Thanks.
>
> I will be back in DC on May 7 and 8 (for a conference on the morning of the
> 8th) so if you want to follow up in person I would be happy to do so.  also,
> obviously we can do so by phone and/or e-mail.
>
> Greg
>
> --
> ____________________
> Gregory L. Rosston
> 650-566-9211
>

-- 
____________________
Gregory L. Rosston
650-566-9211

-- 
____________________
Gregory L. Rosston
650-566-9211

-- 
____________________
Gregory L. Rosston
650-566-9211

Notice of ex parte discussion by Gregory L. Rosston

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

On April 20, 2009, Gregory L. Rosston, Deputy Director of the Stanford
Institute for Economic Policy Research had a telephone conversation with Tom
Power of NTIA to discuss the filing by "71 Concerned Economists" about the
use of procurement auctions for the broadband stimulus package.  We
discussed implemenation issues and evaluation issues for the use of
procurement auctions.

Sincerely,

Gregory Rosston

--
____________________
Gregory L. Rosston
650-566-9211

Notice of ex parte discussion by Gregory L. Rosston

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

CORRECTION OF DATE

On April 17, 2009, Gregory L. Rosston, Deputy Director of the Stanford
Institute for Economic Policy Research met with personnel from NTIA, RUS,
OMB, FCC and the National Economic Council to discuss the filing by "71
Concerned Economists" about the use of procurement auctions for the
broadband stimulus package.  In that discussion, I indicated that the
simplest auction would be a single round sealed bid auction with competition
across regions.  Additional discussion concerned clarification and
explanation of the filing.

Among those attending were Markk Seifert and Tom Power from NTIA and several
people from RUS.

Sincerely,

Gregory Rosston

--
____________________
Gregory L. Rosston
650-566-9211

Notice of ex parte discussion by Gregory L. Rosston

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

On March 17, 2009, Gregory L. Rosston, Deputy Director of the Stanford
Institute for Economic Policy Research met with personnel from NTIA, RUS,
OMB, FCC and the National Economic Council to discuss the filing by "71
Concerned Economists" about the use of procurement auctions for the
broadband stimulus package.  In that discussion, I indicated that the
simplest auction would be a single round sealed bid auction with competition
across regions.  Additional discussion concerned clarification and
explanation of the filing.

Among those attending were Markk Seifert and Tom Power from NTIA and several
people from RUS.

Sincerely,

Gregory Rosston

--
____________________
Gregory L. Rosston
650-566-9211

Web Form Comment

2009-04-24T15:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Marc Berejka
Email:	mberejka@microsoft.com
Address:	One Microsoft Way, 112/4118
	Microsoft Corporation
	Redmond, WA 98052

We are resubmitting our comments. The first version posted on the Web is garbled. Thanks.

Attachments

msft ntia rus fcc comments 13apr09 FINAL.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T21:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Denise Pleoger
Email:	dpleoger@winter.k12.wi.us
Address:	P.O. Box 310
	Winter, WI 54896

Please include us on a list for grant notification. We live in a rural area of Northern Wisconsin where there are many areas that are not served by a DSL internet link. The education of students of our school district is being negatively impacted as a result.

TO be added to the mailing list

2009-04-21T18:01:00Z

Thanks,

 

Albert Plimpton
IT/Building Manager 
Direct: 323.201.5575

 

 

 




This email and any attached files are confidential and intended solely for the intended recipient(s). If you are not the named recipient you should not read, distribute, copy or alter this email. Any views or opinions expressed in this email are those of the author and do not represent those of the Central Basin Municipal Water District company. Warning: Although precautions have been taken to make sure no viruses are present in this email, the company cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage that arise from the use of this email or attachments.

Attachments

image001.jpg

BTOP white paper from the higher education community

2009-04-21T15:01:00Z

I would like to submit this *revised* white paper, formally endorsed by organizations that represent all 50 states, over 2200 colleges and universities, 30 state and regional networks, 44 corporations, and international reach to networks in 90 countries.  America's state and regional networks reach over 60,000 institutions including K-12 schools, community colleges, colleges and universities, libraries, hospitals, clinics, medical research centers, agricultural extension sites, museums, and community and performing arts centers.

Attachments

Unleashing.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T14:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Doug Hawk
Email:	dhawk@corp.mtco.com
Address:	220 N Menard
	Metamora, IL 61548

Please review my attached comments on BTOP funding and rules. Thank You!!

Attachments

MTCO NTIA Letter.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T01:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
Address:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
	asdasd, MI 44100

asdasdasd

Attachments

a.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T01:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
Address:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
	asdasd, MI 44100

asdasdasd

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
Address:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
	asdasd, ME 44100

asdasd

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
Address:	imzaa44@hotmail.com
	asdasd, ME 44100

asdasd

Attachments

cw.php

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	cwelmuhammed@gmail.com
Address:	cwelmuhammed@gmail.com
	asdasd, MN 44100

asdasd

Attachments

ACF3E7.cfm

Web Form Comment

2009-04-21T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	asd@asd.org
Address:	asd@asd.org
	asdasdasd, IN 44100

asdasd

Attachments

tmpfiles.cfm

Emma Bowen Foundation

2009-04-20T23:01:00Z

Barbara:  I wanted to follow up on my voice mail message to you last
Friday regarding the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.  As I
mentioned Maureen Lewis briefly told me about the program and I wanted
to see whether there might be a fit for the Emma Bowen Foundation.
Tomorrow, a committee of chief technical officers from major media
companies (HBO, Time Warner, ABC, Charter, Cable Labs, Nielsen, Bright
House, Motorola, etc.)  is participating on a conference call to help
develop and promote and new technical internship program as part of the
Foundation's multi-year media internship for students of color.  In
looking at the NTIA notice, it appears that comments were due on April
13 and that final guidelines will be developed in the future.  It would
help me, for purposes of our conference  call, if knew a little more
about your program.  If you have a few minutes, I would greatly
appreciate a quick conversation.

Kind regards,

Phylis

 

Phylis Eagle-Oldson

President & CEO

Emma L. Bowen Foundation

Phone: 202-637-4494  Fax:  202-637-4495

www.emmabowenfoundation.com

"please note my new email address: phylis.eagle-oldson@nbcuni.com"

Web Form Comment

2009-04-20T17:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	4 Legislative Plaza, Nashville, TN 37243
Email:	sen.doug.overbey@capitol.tn.gov
Address:	Sen. Doug Overbey
	4 Legislative Plaza
	Nashville, TN 37243

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Doug Overbey
State Senate

Follow-up Re Refiling of 04/13/09 Qwest Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01 Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-20T16:11:00Z

By the e-mail immediately below, Qwest re-filed its Apr. 13, 2009 Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01, Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives in pdf format.  Should NTIA prefer these Comments in Word format (the format in which the Comments were originally filed), Qwest is providing them again today as well in that format, attached hereto.  Thank you.

cc: Tim Sloan, NTIA

Ross Dino
Director, Law Department
Qwest
1801 California Street, 10th Floor
Denver, Colo.  80202
303-383-6594 (voice)
303-896-1107 (facsimile)
720-218-3778 (cell)
303-840-8189 (home)
Ross.Dino@qwest.com


________________________________
From: Dino, Ross
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 8:59 AM
To: 'btop@ntia.doc.gov'
Cc: 'Tim Sloan'; Sarjeant, Lawrence; Newman, Melissa
Subject: Refiling of 04/13/09 Qwest Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01 Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives


On April 13, 2009, Qwest timely filed its comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01, Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives.  While NTIA's website shows the comments as having been received, it appears that a reformatting of the comments occurred that makes them unreadable.  Accordingly, Qwest hereby refiles its comments.  Thank you.

cc: Tim Sloan, NTIA

Ross Dino
Director, Law Department
Qwest
1801 California Street, 10th Floor
Denver, Colo.  80202
303-383-6594 (voice)
303-896-1107 (facsimile)
720-218-3778 (cell)
303-840-8189 (home)
Ross.Dino@qwest.com


________________________________
From: Dino, Ross
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 3:29 PM
To: 'btop@ntia.doc.gov'
Cc: Sarjeant, Lawrence; Newman, Melissa
Subject: 04/13/09 Qwest Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01 Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

On behalf of Melissa Newman (202-429-3120) and Larry Sarjeant (202-429-3112) of Qwest, attached hereto are the Comments of Qwest Corporation, for filing with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture in response to the Joint Request for Information in Docket No. 090309298-9299-01, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives.

Ross Dino
Director, Law Department
Qwest
1801 California Street, 10th Floor
Denver, Colo.  80202
303-383-6594 (voice)
303-896-1107 (facsimile)
720-218-3778 (cell)
303-840-8189 (home)
Ross.Dino@qwest.com

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Refiling of 04/13/09 Qwest Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01 Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-20T16:11:00Z

On April 13, 2009, Qwest timely filed its comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01, Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives.  While NTIA's website shows the comments as having been received, it appears that a reformatting of the comments occurred that makes them unreadable.  Accordingly, Qwest hereby refiles its comments.  Thank you.

cc: Tim Sloan, NTIA

Ross Dino
Director, Law Department
Qwest
1801 California Street, 10th Floor
Denver, Colo.  80202
303-383-6594 (voice)
303-896-1107 (facsimile)
720-218-3778 (cell)
303-840-8189 (home)
Ross.Dino@qwest.com


________________________________
From: Dino, Ross
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 3:29 PM
To: 'btop@ntia.doc.gov'
Cc: Sarjeant, Lawrence; Newman, Melissa
Subject: 04/13/09 Qwest Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01 Re ARRA of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

On behalf of Melissa Newman (202-429-3120) and Larry Sarjeant (202-429-3112) of Qwest, attached hereto are the Comments of Qwest Corporation, for filing with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service of the Department of Agriculture in response to the Joint Request for Information in Docket No. 090309298-9299-01, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives.

Ross Dino
Director, Law Department
Qwest
1801 California Street, 10th Floor
Denver, Colo.  80202
303-383-6594 (voice)
303-896-1107 (facsimile)
720-218-3778 (cell)
303-840-8189 (home)
Ross.Dino@qwest.com

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Web Form Comment

2009-04-18T18:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Charlotte Wolter
Email:	cwolter@theipvoice.com
Address:	927 18th Street Suite A
	Santa Monica, CA 90403

Please add me to your correspondence list

Re: dear

2009-04-18T16:01:00Z

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_________________________________________________________________
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http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1a_explore_042009

Web Form Comment

2009-04-17T22:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jennie B. Chandra
Email:	jennie.b.chandra@windstream.com
Address:	1101 17th Street, NW, Suite 802
	Washington, DC 20036

Windstream submitted comments at 11:25pm Eastern on 4/13/09. However, we now realize that the confirmation we received incorrectly indicated that it was one hour later (or 12:25am on 4/14).

Windstream's comments were submitted in advance of the deadline, and we would appreciate a revised confirmation, and an acknowledgement that it was an error, likely to be an internal clock error on your server or other computer system.

Please contact me by email at jennie.b.chandra@windstream.com or at telephone number 202-223-7664.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-17T19:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	St. Louis Broadband
Email:	victoria@stlbroadband.com
Address:	505 Hillsboro Road
	Farmington, MO 63640

We were recently were asked to add more fixed wireless coverage in our proposal which is not reflected in our revised our comment.

We also agree and support the Wireless Internet Service Providers NTIA comments and questions. St. Louis Broadband is a member of WISPA.org

Victoria Proffer
CEO
St. Louis Broadband, LLC

Attachments

ACF165.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-17T17:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	art@beehive.net
Attorney:	J.O. Hooper
Email:	hooper@beehive.net
Address:	2000 Sunset Road
	Lake Point, UT 84074

Please see last paragraph of this article concerning Broadband, and senior health & fiber to the home.

Attachments

Last Word 2002-09.mht

Web Form Comment

2009-04-17T00:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NTIA and RUS Administrators
Email:	mtk001a1@verizon.net
Address:	21350 Preservation Drive
	Land O Lakes, FL 34638

I am posting to voice my concern regarding the Broadband Stimulus initiative and the possibility that a large part of that initiative may be directed to companies sourced outside the United States.

As a tax payer responsible for the availability of these funds, I am strongly opposed to any notion that other nations may benefit from the direct letting of any future contracts.

I summarize a few points in the objectives our President has encouraged;
1. “…Modernize an FCC program that supports rural phone service so that it promotes affordable broadband coverage across rural America as well”
2. “…America could lose the competitive edge that has served as the foundation for our strength and standing in the world”
3. “…We should never forget that our workers are still more productive than any on Earth”
4. “…Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy – where a lack of spending leads to lost jobs which leads to even less spending; where an inability to lend and borrow stops growth and leads to even less credit
5. …That’s why the overwhelming majority of the jobs created will be in the private sector…”

********************* BUY AMERICAN! ********************

Sincerely,
Mike Klosicki

please ad to mailing list for upcoming grants

2009-04-16T21:01:00Z

Web Form Comment

2009-04-16T21:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy, & Prendergast, LLP
Law firm:	Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy, & Prendergast, LLP
Attorney:	Mary J. Sisak
Address:	Street NW
	Suite 300
	Washington, DC 20037

On Monday, April 13, 2009, at 4:21 PM, Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy, & Prendergast, LLP filed comments on behalf of 58 rural incumbent local exchange carriers (Rural ILECs) and the centralized equal access providers (CEA Providers), referred to as "The Rural Carriers".

Attached is an erratum containing an updated list of Rural Carriers, adding Peñasco Valley Telecommunications of Artesia, New Mexico.

Attachments

Amended Carriers.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-16T19:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tiffany Norwood c/o Next Generation Broadband
Email:	tiffany@ngb.biz
Address:	1025 Thomas Jefferson Street
	Suite 109
	Washintgon, DC 20007

Next Generation Broadband Inc
Submitted to the Federal Communications Commission
March 31, 2009

Recommendations Regarding the Application of Broadband Stimulus Funds

Introduction
Next Generation Broadband, founded in 2001, is a broadband networking and software company that specializes in advanced application technology that enables automation and enhanced services for broadband networks. Located in the District of Columbia, Next Generation Broadband has developed and deployed, both domestically and internationally, systems that allow for advanced functionality such as fully automated customer installations, customer device management and session managed services.

NGB thanks the FCC for the opportunity to submit comments in relation to the proposed Broadband Stimulus funding, which we believe will provide insight and an alternative perspective to the Commission in determining the appropriate use of the funds allocated by Congress to achieve its aims in promoting the use and availability of broadband service to the highest level in the United States.

Comment on Application of Broadband Stimulus Funds
NGB’s interest in providing comments to the FCC is to suggest ways in which advanced technologies, like our own, can be used to enhance and leverage the investment that the government, and in particular the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) FCC and the Department of Agriculture to extend the use and availability of broadband services across the country. In this respect, Next Generation Broadband would like to comment on how advanced software based technology can support:
• Making access to broadband services more accessible to underserved and unserved markets through automation of systems supporting the broadband networks
• Reducing installation and operating costs through automation to make broadband generally more affordable
• Making systems at service providers more flexible to allow a greater variety of services that can address underserved markets
• Offering Pay-As-You-Go broadband to allow customers to buy broadband on an as needed basis
• Leveraging innovation and efficiency of productized software solutions to quickly impact these market segments
• Insuring US global leadership in advanced applications for broadband networks, which can then be exported, resulting in an increased and extended return on the government funds invested

Reducing Installation Costs Allows Operators to Offer Service to More Consumers
Beyond the investment in the core infrastructure, for both wireline or wireless networks, a key barrier to subscriber take-up is the cost of installation and activation of service. This cost on average is $100-150 per subscriber depending on a variety of factors. By automating all or part of the installation process through advanced software applications, this number can be reduced by at least 50%. Reducing this fixed cost, allows operators to:
• Offer services without an annual commitment
• Have more flexibility in pricing of services
• Loosen credit requirements for new customers
• Potentially lower cost of service

Flexible Systems in an Operator’s Data Center allows Economical Support of Underserved Markets
At the present, it is very difficult for operators to handle different groups of users in a unique manner, weather its low-income families that need subsidized service or government sponsored entities. Currently all subscribers have to be managed in the same manner, due to the inflexibility of the operator’s backe-end systems. Next Generation Broadband has developed software that resides in the operators’ central data center that can identify and direct different types of users to different product or service options in a cost effective automated manner. The possible benefits include:
• Special services and pricing for different groups of users
• Government sponsored subscriber segments that are provided free or subsidized service
• Virtual secondary networks for government or educational entities that can leverage the primary network of the service provider

Pay As You Go Broadband Makes Broadband more Affordable to a Larger Base of Subscribers
For most underserved markets, the service cost is a key impediment, new pricing options such as Pay as You Go” can be implemented that do not require a high monthly fee for broadband usage. Pay As You Go broadband also removes issues around credit checks. This service class is a model already used in the cellular telephone space with some success, and NGB has already had discussions with a number of large broadband service providers in North America and in Europe on our session management system that allows a cost effective means of automating the control and pricing of pay as you go services. Benefits include:
• Reduce need for credit checks
• Eliminating requirement for high fixed monthly payment by subscriber
• Cost effective solution for occasional users
• New service option for subscribers on a fixed income

Product Based Software Solutions Allow Immediate Impact and Access for the Underserved Markets
In making broadband services more accessible to underserved markets there are multiple options such as hardware based solutions or custom built applications. These options are very expensive and can take years to implement. Product based software solutions, from small innovative companies like Next Generation Broadband, are existing technology that can be deployed quickly and can have immediate impact on underserved markets. This technology is applicable to cable, DSL and wireless based networks. Productized software solutions allow:
• System deployments in months instead of years
• Impact on underserved markets in months instead of years
• Proven technology that has been previous deployed, supporting a national footprint both in the US and internationally
• Lower operational and technology risks for operators and service providers

Investing in Technology Developed by Small Businesses can be Leveraged and Exported Globally
The US has an opportunity to be a global market leader in developing advanced applications and software systems that expand functionality of broadband networks. Investment in these systems can be leveraged in international markets and have a multiplier effect beyond addressing underserved markets in the US. Government support of the capital expense of these technologies can help insure the leadership of US companies in this space. This type of innovation, historically originates from small businesses such as Next Generation Broadband, resulting in:
• New jobs created in the US to support the development and deployment of these applications
• US based intellectual property that can be sold and exported to overseas markets
• Global recognition of US as market leader in broadband technology
• Creation of cottage industries to support extensions of core technology

About Next Generation Broadband
Next Generation Broadband has installed systems both domestically and internationally to large broadband service providers, enabling automation and advanced functionality on broadband networks. Some of our systems include: auto installation for broadband data and VoIP, session managed solutions for pay as you go and free user trials, as well as, systems to identify and manage different types of broadband devices such as PCs, cable modems, gaming devices and home networking equipment. Currently NGB is developing new products for wireless and video networks.

NGB’s core team has worked at many key broadband service providers like, AT&T, Verizon, USWest, Time Warner, Telstra, Road Runner, and others. Our executive team has experience across international markets in Asia, Europe, South America as well as North America. Market experience includes Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong/China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand in Asia and Oceania, and in Europe, the Netherlands, France, United Kingd

Attachments

NGB Submission to the FCC 900331 final.pdf

City of Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr.'s Comments on BTOP

2009-04-16T19:01:00Z

There was some difficulty in transmitting the attached statement of City of Detroit Mayor Cockrel under cover of my 4/13/09 email so I am resubmitting the statement.  Curtis Blessing
>>> Curtis Blessing 4/13/2009 5:12 PM >>>
Dear Sirs/Mses.:  Attached please find the comments of City of Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel. Jr. wishes to submit regarding the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
Sincerely,
Curtis B. Blessing
Senior Advisor to Mayor Cockrel
curtis.blessing@detroitmi.gov 



This message has been scanned for malware by SurfControl plc. www.surfcontrol.com

Attachments

KVC.to.NTIA.Comment.4.13.09.Broadband.Regs..pdf

Notification of Ex Parte Meeting/ David Townsend and Mark Kennet/ re-send

2009-04-16T18:01:00Z

The attached describes an April 14, 2009, meeting with NTIA staff and
David Townsend & Mark Kennet.

Attachments

Market Frontier Meeting.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-16T17:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara C. Wedeman, President, Behavioral Economics Consulting Group
Address:	8327 Germantown Avenue
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

I discovered a blooper on the first page of my comment, so am re-submitting a corrected copy. Hope you'll read this one and discard the previous version. Thanks!

Attachments

Comment1R-BBmapping.pdf

ARRA BTOP Notice

2009-04-16T17:01:00Z

On March 21 and March 24, John Marinho, Alcatel-Lucent, and Mark
Seifert, NTIA, had telephone conversations regarding application of the
Recovery Act's Buy American provision to the BTOP program.
Alcatel-Lucent responded to questions and also provided information in
support of the view that information and communications technology (ICT)
products should not be subject to the provision. 

 

Alcatel-Lucent made the following points.  BTOP projects do not fit
within "public work" or should be exempt.  In any event the vast
majority of stimulus dollars for broadband projects will be devoted to
the labor costs of deployment, not ICT equipment.  The majority of
companies in the ICT sector - both U.S.-based and those headquartered
elsewhere - rely on a globalized supply chain for broadband equipment,
and investment would be delayed if a restrictive rule were applied.
Alcatel-Lucent supported the view that the provision should not apply to
the BTOP program, consistent with the comments it submitted on April 13.

 

Sincerely,

 

Michael McMenamin

Notification of Ex Parte Meeting/ David Townsend and Mark Kennet

2009-04-16T17:01:00Z

The attached describes an April 14, 2009, meeting with NTIA staff and
David Townsend & Mark Kennet.

Attachments

Market Frontier Meeting.doc

BTOP filing.

2009-04-16T17:01:00Z

Dear Sirs,

    I was unable to attach this file via the online web form.  Michelle
Carey suggested that I sent it to this e-mail address.

    As an ISP that's been working to bridge the digital divide for a decade
now I thought it important to give you my thoughts on what *I* need to bring
better services and lower prices to my region.

Thanks!
Marlon K. Schafer
Owner
Odessa Office Equipment
(509) 988-0260

Attachments

NTIA grant suggestions.doc

2009-04-16T16:01:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs

nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to Asia

if you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.

as a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I write to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it all, American jobs creation!

Thank you.

Andy An

Invitation to Visit and Comment on A Novel Information Portal for Life Sciences

2009-04-19T04:01:00Z

The eBioNews Team sincerely invites you to visit our newly released beta-version site at: www.ebionews.com. This is a news and resource information center dedicated to promoting R&D and commercialization in life sciences and bio-economy. The website presents the information that is knowledge-rich, useful, and beneficial to our readers. Generally, eBioNews information is organized into the following two clusters:
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Web Form Comment

2009-04-16T15:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Doug Hawk
Email:	dhawk@corp.mtco.com
Address:	220 N Menard
	Metamora, IL 61548

I have read through the grant rules, and am surprised to see that only projects that could not be done without this stimulus money should get precedence. It seems like this will encourage a round of amateur hour, involving startups and poorly managed companies whose long term viability may be in question. In short, a poor investment for taxpayer dollars!
Our company is sound and stable, and we have several plans/projects in the design phase that fit the criteria perfectly by truly reaching many rural areas with next gen services. More importantly, we have the track record, experience and resources to see the job(s) through quickly.
My hope is that the small, established company will get fair consideration without the need for lawyers, lobbyists etc that are beyond our reach and below our ethical standards.
Are there application forms available yet??
Thank you
Doug Hawk
Network Manager
Metamora Telephone Co/MTCO Communications
dhawk@corp.mtco.com

Web Form Comment

2009-04-16T00:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Travis King
Email:	tking@intelicloud.com
Address:	895 Dove Street
	3rd Floor
	Newport Beach, CA 92660

InteliCloud is a US manufacture of NGN equipment that allows multiple services to reside on a single network, triples capacity per sq ft and reduces power and space requirements by more than 60% compared to competitor platforms. In the interest of expanding broadband and reach remote areas, our 'network-in-a-box' costs 70% less to purchase and the 'plug-n-play' scalability allows JIT expansion based on capacity and performance needs. We are looking to partner with service providers for a winning proposal that maximizes the gov dollars spent. Visit us at www.intelicloud.com for more information and contact me at tking@intelicloud.com.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T23:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	St. Louis Broadband, LLC
Email:	victoria@stlbroadband.com
Address:	St. Louis Broadband, LLC
	505 Hillsboro Road
	Farmington, MO 63640

Due to errors in the NTIA web submission process, we are adding a .pdf version.

Attachments

NTIA Request for Public Comment.pdf

RE: Comments to NTIA and RUS of Premium Choice Broadband

2009-04-15T21:03:00Z

interesting story in today's Wall Street Journal on the fight  between
the states and the feds re: allocation of broadband stimulus funds.
States arguing they should distribute the money because feds too
bureaucratic and slow.

> _____________________________________________ 
> From: 	Landry, Andrew  
> Sent:	Monday, April 13, 2009 1:08 PM
> To:	BTOP@ntia.doc.gov
> Cc:	avamvakias@pcb-me.com; Hudson, Steven A.; Pachios, Harold C.;
> Donahue, Joseph G.
> Subject:	Comments to NTIA and RUS of Premium Choice Broadband
> 
> 
> Enclosed for filing in the above-captioned matter, please find the
> Comments of Premium Choice Broadband.
> If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free
> to contact me at (207) 791-3191 or alandry@preti.com.
> 
> 
> 
> Andrew Landry, Esq.
> Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios
> 45 Memorial Circle, PO Box 1058
> Augusta, ME  04332-1058
> 
> Tel.  207.623.5300
> Fax  207.623.2914
>  << File: Premium Comments Broadband - Cover Letter to NTIA.DOC >>  <<
> File: Premium Choice Broadband - Comments to NTIA and RUS.DOC >> 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In accordance with Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we hereby advise you that if this E-mail or any attachment hereto contains any tax advice, such tax advice was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer by the Internal Revenue Service.


This E-Mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential and / or exempt from discovery or disclosure under applicable law.  Unintended transmission shall not constitute waiver of the attorney-client or any other privilege.  If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and have received it in error, please do not distribute it and notify me immediately by E-mail at hpachios@preti.com or via telephone at 207-791-3000 and delete the original message.  Unless expressly stated in this e-mail, nothing in this message or any attachment should be construed as a digital or electronic signature or as a legal opinion.

FW: Notice of Ex Parte Discussion/Cisco Systems

2009-04-15T21:03:00Z

________________________________

From: Jeff Campbell (jeffrcam) 
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 3:55 PM
To: 'btop@nita.doc.gov'
Cc: 'Mark Seifert'
Subject: Notice of Ex Parte Discussion/Cisco Systems

On March 23, 2009, Jeffrey A. Campbell, Senior Director of Technology
and Trade Policy for Cisco Systems, Inc. spoke telephonically with Mark
Seifert, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary, NTIA regarding the
applicability of the "Buy America" provisions of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Broadband Technology Opportunities
Program.  Mr. Campbell indicated that Cisco did not believe that
broadband grants under BTOP constituted a "public work" which would
subject them to the "Buy America" requirement.  Mr. Campbell also
indicated in the alternative that if the grants were determined to be
covered, then a public interest waiver of the "Buy America" requirements
should be granted for all electronics equipment used in broadband
networks.

Jeffrey A. Campbell
Senior Director, Technology and Trade Policy
Global Policy and Government Affairs

campbell@cisco.com
Phone :202-354-2920
Fax :202-354-2930

Cisco Systems, Inc.
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Suite 250
Washington, DC 20004
United States
www.cisco.com

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T20:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	victoria@stlbroadband.com
Email:	victoria@stlbroadband.com
Address:	505 Hillsboro Road
	Farmington, MO 63640

My name is Victoria Proffer, I am the CEO of St. Louis Broadband, LLC, http://stlbroadband.com

A bit about my background. I built the first dial-up network for our proposed fixed wireless coverage area, so I have been an ISP for sixteen years, I have been involved in fixed wireless for ten of those years and owned and operated St. Louis Broadband, a fixed wireless service provider in the metro St. Louis area for the last six years.

St. Louis Broadband provides services to business in the Westport area. We provide service to small business and are their technical partner, as well as large business where we back-up their wired services.

As a member of WISPA http://WISPA.org and a WISPA Legislative Committee I have worked answering the questions that NTIA has sent out. However, as a WISP I have been actively involved in developing a plan for my community.

St. Louis Broadband has been looking at a project that we have named ShowMe Broadband, http://showmebroadband.com. We have been working on this project for the past two years. I have attached a coverage map of this area. There are several pockets, in the nine county area, of residential homes that range from 500 to 2500 population that are totally unserved. As well as there are the same pockets that are underserved with only one provider.

We talked to community leaders, colleges, hospitals, home owners association, as well as recently the state of Missouri regarding our project.

Because of envisioning this project two years ago in some locations we are currently “shovel ready” and ready to start construction today. However the State recently spoke of possible “rights of ways” for tower location in exchange for broadband services to State locations like prisons, court houses, etc. These areas still need to be examined for possible use.

One of St. Louis Broadband’s customers is the American Red Cross. We have been providing them service over the past five years, as well as technical support. One thing that we have been discussing during this time frame is our geological area and how dangerous it can be.

I feel that our project is one of the most important in the state of Missouri, if not in the nation. Our location is in the southeast portion of Missouri. This location has some interesting and challenging features due to the Precambrian geology. This area also hosts the New Madrid fault zone.

In some of the counties that we are proposing our fixed wireless solution, they are just now starting to install 911 services, I know of one county that there is no 911 service at all. Also another factor that makes this situation more vulnerable is because most of these counties, due to their rich ore where a part of a chain of mines, there are mazes of honeycombs that whole communities sit on.

“THE HIGHEST EARTHQUAKE RISK in the UNITED STATES outside the West Coast is along the New Madrid Fault. Damaging tremors are not as frequent as in California, but when they occur, the destruction covers over more than 20 times the area because of underlying geology.

A DAMAGING EARTHQUAKE in this AREA, 6.0 or greater, occur about every 80 years (the last one in 1895). The results would cause serious damage to schools and masonry buildings from Memphis to St Louis.” http://www.scchealth.org/docs/ems/docs/prepare/newMadrid.html

As one can see from the above statement we are way past our deadline for this quake. Doubled in with the fact of communities sitting on top of this honeycomb of mines, it is a disaster waiting to happen. Add in the fact that these communities have little or no communications, it makes this another Katrina or worse in our midst.

St. Louis Broadband has designed a network with a triple fiber redundancy from different National Access Points, in the event that we could lose fiber connectivity, as well as we have added redundant satellite feeds. The tower network itself has a “self healing” distribution ring. We are limiting the use of guyed towers and opting for self-supporting towers for “earthquake prevention”.

Because of these towers being in great locations for wind in the fall/winter and solar in the spring/summer, rather than installing diesel powered generators for backup we have added solar and wind devices. We have also added a 4.9 GHz network for First Responders. We want all counties in our network to have access to this, we feel that this is very important.

We also feel it is important to include telemedicine programs, as well as distance learning. This network will be fully capable of supporting both.

What do we need from NTIA to provide this?
• Make emergency infrastructure a priority. While we understand the importance of bringing broadband to rural areas we feel that the loss of potential life is priority. These applications above all should receive first consideration.
• Keep it simple. While we recognize that certain information needs to be provided to disburse ARRA monies, don’t make the project unattainable because of complicated studies or too much government involvement.
• Let the States be involved. We realize that distributing the funds directly to the States is not what Congress intended. We also understand that this would add another layer of government that is not necessary. However we also realize that State involvement is crucial to understand the resources and support services that can be utilized. We feel that the States should support the applicable grants and be kept fully aware of the process, as well as the construction phases of each network.
• Flexibility. When designing a network of this magnitude, sometimes one runs into trouble. While it is easy to calculate the nuts and the bolts, building in the two year time frame may require slight changes of plans, such as easement issues, vendor issues, labor issues, etc. Let the States be involved in monthly project meetings where these changes could be discussed and approved. Let the States be the NTIA local authority.
• Complete Funding. When projects offer multiple goals of the ARRA Grant directives, allow complete funding of projects rather than the 20% commitment. My personal feeling is that we are going to see the “Pioneers of Broadband” involved in this project. These are the guys and gals that developed the fixed broadband solution. These are not the AT&T nor Verizon companies. These “Pioneers” have put up their homes to build their networks, risked everything to make this technology available for the masses. These companies compete daily with the ILECs who receive federal funding. These are the same ILECS that have “cherry picked” their networks and have put this country into the current situation it is in, with limited broadband access. We believe that companies that have received past federal funding should be exempt from this grant. These funds should also be available to draw upon immediately once a grant has been awarded. It is the guys that are operating the companies with less than $1 million in annual revenue that are going to build the American Broadband Backbone. These are the more “bang for the buck” guys, because they have had to be, nothing has been handed to them or easy for them, and I do speak from experience. These guys are true Americans that work hard for a living to bring the technology of fixed wireless to America.
• Give small and economically challenged businesses a break. We are a woman owned business, as well as Viet Nam veteran run and owned. To establish a SBA 8(a) certification it not only takes a great deal of time, but of money as well. Either use the self-certification set by the SBA for WOSB or streamline the SBA 8(a) certification process. These businesses should receive at least a 5% priority.

I hope the views of our company has helped and I hope to see the NTIA do what is right for America in this crucial time. Let our grandchildren know in the years to come that you made the right decision today.

Sincerely,
Victoria Proffer
CEO – St. Louis Broadband
314-974-5600

Attachments

9 county network.jpeg

Garbled SIA filing April 13 at 7:08 pm

2009-04-15T19:04:00Z

I spoke with Barbara Brown and she suggested that I notify you that the above-described Satellite Industry Association filing is garbled on the NTIA website.  She informed me that you were checking all of them, but just wanted to make sure that you were aware of this problem.

Let us know if you need another copy of the filing or have questions or problems.  Thanks.

Carolyn Roddy

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Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	David Hannum
Email:	sales@newerabroadband.com
Address:	1045 Old 7 Road
	Coolville, OH 45723

[see attachment]

Attachments

NTIA-letter.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Greg Diamond
Address:	1025 Eldorado Blvd.
	Broomfield, CO 80021

Resubmit of comments originally submitted on April 13

Attachments

ACF7F85.pdf

ARRA - Level 3

2009-04-15T17:05:00Z


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Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T17:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Wirefree Partners III, LLC
Address:	505 Beachland Boulevard
	Vero Beach, FL 32963

Wirefree Partners is reposting its April 13th Comments to the request for information under its corporate name, rather than the name of its president. See attached Comments.

Attachments

Wirefree Partners III, LLC Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dave Giles
Email:	daveg@invisimax.com
Address:	126 W Johnson Ave
	Warren, MN 56762

Consider Rural Wisps equal to rural Tele co's when providing these grants. We are serving the under served today. That is why we started in this business. We need help to take it to the next level and to the unserved.
InvisiMax has been an ISP since 1996. Formerly Rural Access. We became a Wireless Broadband provider in 1998.
We are in rural Minnesota and rural North Dakota. We have invested all of our owners finances and talents into this company to provide the service this program is intended for.
Rural telcos in this area finally decided to step up and provide limited Broadband 4-5 years after they saw the need. Rural WISPS (wireless internet service providers) many of whom are small, most all touch the underserved areas. In the early years of the USDA RUS broadband funds we could not even qualify as our "existing lenders" feared our existence. We were a disruptive service to them.
Grants to expand Wisp networks and improve these networks should be made a priority in the scoring of Grants.
Grant applications need to be simple and cost effective. Large companies can dedicate resources to engineers and Grant writers as they have departments dedicated to writing and regulation reporting of these.
Plans need to make sense and be proven to provide value. Over engineering or added expense is not needed in most rural areas. Common sense from experienced providers works well. We have looked at the RUS loan program and turned away. To prove it is too complicated of an application and to expensive to apply check with WISPA to see how many used it. That is why the funds have never been all used up. How many went broke trying to get the funds or use it?
Grants should not be tied to the rural community. in communities we brought broadband in they did not even know what it meant. If they were getting something for free they would not take it. After we spent our money bringing the service the adoption rate improved. So Grants need to go to operators. Most City councils in Rural America do not even want the job. But will accept a new service in town if they do not have to sign for it. That should be the providers job.
A % of the funds should be available with an excepted plan with the balance paid in a timely period. In rural America many do not have the ability to fund the project and expect a refund.
Computer labs are not needed and a waist in the communities we currently serve. We do provide for free to rural fire Depts, ambulance, or Cities if they want or have a need.

The Broadband Stimulus Bill

2009-04-15T16:05:00Z

I am a Manufacturing Engineer for Zhone Technologies, Inc., located in Largo,Florida.�� We manufacture leading edge digital access, and communications equipment.� We are one of a dwindling number of electronics firms that manufacture in the United States, because so many companies choose to manufacture overseas.� We have proven that American workers can still compete, and that American technology is still viable. 

Regarding the Stimulus Package, which has provisions for $7.2B to expand broadband, it is estimated that 60% of broadband infrastructure projects will go to equipment vendors like us.� However, many manufacturers build their products in Asia. While I don't believe in outright protectionism, I do feel that the investment dollars from this stimulus bill should be targeted to promote the employment of Americans, and not create more jobs for Asians.. 

Americans depend on their jobs for food, clothing, shelter, provisions, and something other workers don't have to worry about, health care! 

Please help Americans, by influencing the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to apply the Buy America provision, and avoid sending half the $7.2B in broadband stimulus funds to support jobs in Asia.� Quite frankly, if this happens, I sincerely doubt that this American developer, and manufacturer of leading edge telecommunications infrastructure equipment will survive!

Thank you very much. 

Kenneth Daniels 
Manufacturing Engineer 
Zhone Technologies, Inc. 
Largo, Florida

Notification of Ex Parte Meeting/ Space Data

2009-04-15T16:05:00Z

The attached describes a March 20, 2009 meeting with OPAD staff and
Space Data plus Counsel.

Attachments

space data mapping meeting_1.doc

Notification of Ex Parte Meeting/ CostQuest and LinkAmerica Alliance

2009-04-15T16:05:00Z

The attached describes a March 11, 2009 meeting with OPAD staff and a
LinKAmerica Alliance team led by CostQuest Associates.  Associated
slides are also included.

Attachments

Fwd: Web Form Comment | William L. Kovacs (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) | 8:54:00 PM

2009-04-15T15:04:00Z


>>> "Goldman, Jason"  4/14/2009 1:43:19 PM >>>
On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, William L. Kovacs submitted
comments on 4/13/2009.  However, there seems to be a technical error
with the posting of our comments.  Clicking on the link to our
comments
results in a "Page Not Found" error. Please fix or advise me on how to
correct this problem.



Thanks,

Jason



===



Jason D. Goldman

Counsel

Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

1615 H Street, NW

Washington, DC 20062

Tel: 202-463-5949

Fax: 202-887-3445

E-mail:  jgoldman@uschamber.com

Attachments

U.S. Chamber - Comments to NTIA RUS & FCC on Broadband Provisions in the ARRA.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T15:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Daryl Phillips
Email:	daryl@hickmantn.org
Address:	P.O. Box 204
	130 Progress Center Plaza
	Centerville, TN 37033-0204

To Whom It May Concern:

My organization, Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, and I have been involved with Connected Tennessee almost from its incorporation in Tennessee. Connected Tennessee has been an efficient and effective force in increasing broadband and technology availability and utilization in my county as well as across our state.

It is well worth my support in writing to you to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Daryl D. Phillips, CEcD
Executive Director
Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T15:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Stephanie Biziewski
Address:	312 Covewood Trail
	Asheville, NC 28805

I'm in favor of using federal stimulus money to support non-profits and local business organizations to revitalize and regenerate our imbalanced economy. But, these businesses must be able to demonstrate that they are managed professionally today, that they hold a practical vision for a dynamic, long-term future, and that they have a history of contributing to the growth of our local and regional economies by creating increasing job opportunities.

Before granting stimulus package funding, please investigate the integrity and sustainability of Asheville, NC's Mountain Area Information Network (MAIN) as a rural broadband provider for Western North Carolina.

In a presentation given on February 23, 2009, several audience members asked Executive Director Wally Bowen questions about MAIN's business plans and the truth behind its claims as a sustainable business.

As an attendee at that meeting, I observed that Mr. Bowen could not provide any detailed information about accounting history, business projections, or management practices to show that MAIN is able to keep itself in business. I understand that at least some of this kind of information should have been included in MAIN's application for stimulus package funding.

Mr. Bowen also publicly admitted that, in all its 13-year history, there were only one or two years in the late nineties when MAIN's income from its internet services were sufficient to cover the operating costs of the business. It seems that MAIN has been able to stay in business, not because it is a viable alternative to commercial internet providers. But because it is a non-profit whose sustaining operating capital comes from public grants and fundraising.

And, apparently, there are no plans to create long-term jobs that would be supported by the stimulus package funds.

MAIN's Board of Directors has a history of high turn-over, especially in the last 6 months. The organization seems to be held together primarily by the singular efforts of its founder and Executive Director. To my knowledge, there is no succession plan and no organizational structure to ensure that MAIN is a dynamic, creative, long-term player in the economic growth of Western North Carolina.

As a tax-payer and a citizen who cares that our human energy and financial resources are used wisely, I ask that stimulus package money be awarded to those organizations who have a proven track record in managing sustainable businesses of the 21st century-kind. Before awarding any funds to MAIN, please be sure it meets all of the necessary practical, ethical, and innovative criteria.

Stephanie Biziewski
Asheville, NC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ron Elliott
Email:	ron@cyberstarz.com
Address:	1505B S. Parrot Ave
	Okeechobee, FL 34974

In the past, Grant eligibility has been limited to unserved areas that could be geographically identified either as a Census Designated Place (CDP) or as a point on a Rand McNally map.

If, with aerial mapping, Google Earth, satellite photos, or County Tax Records we can identify a point on the earth where hundreds of people live; (1) 20 miles from the nearest Incorporated area (2) have absolutely NO BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY other than dial up (3) have no school (4) have no medical facility or even a single doctor (5) have no community center (6) have no fire station (7) 4% of the roads are paved (8)median income is below the State level....would it not seem that this is a community desperately in need of what we are all trying to do?

To pass up an opportunity to help Communities such as the above, simply because Rand McNally thinks them unworthy of mention, would make a mockery of the entire Stimulation Plan. Please address this issue.

Thank you

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Marlon K. Schafer
Email:	ooe@odessaoffice.com
Address:	P.O. Box 489
	Odessa, WA 99159

Broadband Grant Suggestions

Odessa Office Equipment has been an ISP (Internet Service Provider) since 1997. We started the ISP portion of the business because no one else would bring dial-up access to my home town. In 1998 we installed the first DSL system that I’m aware of anywhere in the county (http://www.odessaoffice.com/sdsl.html). Again, because no one would do it and the local Telco told me “We’ll never put DSL into a market so small because there is no way to make money at it.”

In late 1999 and early 2000 we installed the first high speed wireless system in the county. I chose wireless because it would allow me to service more customers at higher speeds and at greater distances than DSL. It also had the side benefit of being less expensive in the long run. Some of the things I’ve done or seen over the years can be seen here: http://www.odessaoffice.com/wireless

As a founding board member of WISPA (http://www.wispa.org) and a current Legislative Committee member I’m aware of the questionnaire that you’ve sent out. I will work with WISPA in answering your questions directly. However, I thought it might be helpful for you to hear directly from someone that’s already bridging the “digital divide” on a small scale, but bridging it none the less. (Our customers in and near Odessa Wa. see speeds of up to 10mbps both down and up!)

The ONLY reason that I’ve not put in more, bigger, faster service to more of my neighboring communities (current approximate coverage map: http://accima.com/images/coverage_2004.jpg) is money. Yes I could get private loans, RUS loans, or even use my credit cards for expansion funds. The trouble is the population density and the geography out here. We have 100 to 300 foot high rolling hills, valleys etc. When the area was settled people followed the trains and the trains followed the water and the water followed the low spots. Thus we have 8 towns in our county of 10,000 people. The towns are usually down in the low spots and/or have rolling hills.

Covering the towns themselves isn’t particularly hard most of the time. Getting affordable service TO town is hard. Getting service to the people in the country is VERY hard and expensive. We have some tower sites that sit on high hills and we can still only see 8 or 10 homes in a 15 mile radius (an area more than TWICE the size of Washington D.C.)!

While the local Telco has fiber access to most of the towns here, there are often NO backup links and the access costs are too high to support the small scale of the potential market here.

We can provide services to people or we can build infrastructure. We can’t do both without outside funds that don’t have to be paid back. With some of the lowest average income levels in the state we can’t charge our customers more than we are, they can’t justify added expenses.

What I need from any grant program is pretty simple really:
1: Simplicity. The company is run with two people. Myself and an office person. Grants that take hundreds of hours to complete and require a lawyer to understand don’t even get applied for. The customers have to come first and there just isn’t enough time in the day for both.
2: Flexibility. No plan that anyone can create out here will be perfect. We may plan for a tower site at location A only to find that location B has more WILLING customers. Or we may have trouble getting access to land etc. As long as we’re still meeting the goal of the grant we must be able to make some adjustments along the way.
3: Full funding. In the years that I’ve been an ISP I’ve put every nickel I can get my hands on into expanding my network already. If I had access to funds I have already used them. Even 0% interest loans will often create a payment too high to sustain the health of the network.
4: Realistic expectations. We can build a network quickly enough. As a wireless provider we have relatively few easement, permitting or licensing issues to deal with. When we wish to put up a new location it often takes days or weeks, not months or years. What always seems to take longer than I want it to is filling the towers with customers. People just don’t like to change until they have to. Or they have service contracts with their existing providers. Again, even low interest loans that require any payments in less than 4 to 5 years will likely bury us in payments that customer generated income won’t support.
5: Advanced funding. We don’t have the ability to float funds for hardware, payroll, contractors etc. at useful scales. With billions more than normal flooding into the broadband market our suppliers won’t either. We have to be able to write a check when a product shows up at the door. We have to be able to make payroll for the people that will be needed to construct this new network and install the customer equipment. Funds need to be put into an account that can be drawn from and replenished in real time, not 30, 60, 90 or more days later.
6: No strings attached. The RUS grant programs that I’ve looked at for my area have requirements for things that are not needed anymore. We don’t need 10 computers at the library in every town. We don’t need computer centers staffed 6 days per week. People have computers at home or at work. Or they have a friend that has one that they can use. We need to build the network first. It’s far more important to get the network expanded out into the country than it is to build computer centers in town. The cost to get to town a couple of days per week will often exceed the cost of a computer over the life of the computer when people live so far from town.

In short, what *I* need to do what I already do, but on a larger scale, is easy to get, flexible funding of an entire project.

The project that I envision is a network that will link all of the towns in my county to a very high speed backbone. All of the municipalities, schools and hospitals will then be able to join that network for video conferencing, distance learning, teacher sharing, telemedicine etc. The general public in the towns AND the surrounding areas will be able to take advantage of those things and telecommuting, education, business and entertainment. Because the towers would be located closely enough to each other we’d also be able to provide high speed real time access to mobile users and public safety. Every ambulance, fire truck and police car in the county would have broadband access in nearly any location in the county. And because this network would be designed for multiple uses, full redundancy and great flexibility it could be used to the maximum efficiency.

I’m still working on the numbers but it looks like this would cost between $2 and $2.5 million (excluding residential customer gear). A 20% matching funds requirement if done as a loan would make the project unviable. If our existing network, our time and any discounts that we could get out of our vendors could be counted toward the 20% so that no cash had to be repaid this project could be completed. Just as importantly it could be maintained and upgraded without outside funding! I estimate that as low as a 10% take rate averaged out over the entire county would be enough to keep this network not only alive but healthy!

I hope that this perspective helps. I’ve put everything I have into my community and those around me, but I can only go so far and so fast with our small cashflow. We know HOW to build and maintain the network. We just can’t fund it with any of the current programs.

Respectfully,

Marlon K. Schafer
Owner
Odessa Office Equipment
(509) 988-0260 cell

Buy American

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z

I am an American Engineer that works for Zhone Technologies in Largo
Florida.
We design and build (IN AMERICA) broadband equipment.
The stimulus package has 7.4 billion allocated for the upgrade of the
countries network.
We need to have American companies supply this equipment - not foreign
companies!!!!
If you do not provide the 'buy American' requirement our BORROWED
dollars will go right back overseas.
That is not stimulus for America!
BUY AMERICAN!!!
Zhone can provide ALL the equipment necessary for the country.
Sincerely,
Pete Wiedemann
Senior Engineer
Zhone Technologies

Fwd: Submission Question

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z


>>> "Robinson, Nicole H - HPL" 
4/13/2009 6:28:52 PM >>>
To Whom It May Concern:



How soon are the public comments that are submitted electronically
available
for viewing on the public comments site after submission?



Thank You,



Nicole H. Robinson

832.393.1559

Fwd: Comments of Cinergy MetroNet

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z


>>> John Chuang  4/13/2009 6:28:48 PM >>>
Dear sir or madam,

Please accept the attached comments of Cinergy MetroNet, Inc.  I tried
to upload it online but your website seems to not be accepting any
additional filings.  Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks for your attention to this matter.

John Chuang
Corporate Counsel
(913) 754-3339

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  This e-mail message is from an attorney and is
intended to be delivered only to persons entitled to receive the private
information it may contain.  E-mail messages to clients dealing with
substantive matters presumptively contain information that is private
and legally privileged.  Please do not read, copy, forward or store this
message unless you are an intended recipient of it.  If you have
received this message in error, please forward it back to the initial
sender and delete it completely from your computer system.

Attachments

CMN_NTIA_RUS Cmts.pdf

Fwd: I have filed joint comments for NBCSL, NOBCO, NBC-LEO, NCBM and NOBEL Women

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z


>>> "Stacey Meaders"  4/13/2009 6:44:27 PM
>>>
Having problems verifying that you have received the comments.  They
are not
posted on your comments page.

Fwd: RE: Commonwealth of PA submission [Docket No. 090309298-9299-01]

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z


>>> "Miron, Luc"  4/13/2009 7:14:42 PM >>>
It appears that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania electronic submission
(copy attached) timestamped at 4:22pm on NTIA web site did not upload
properly.  The PDF attachment converted into something completely
illegible.  Link to defective upload is here:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comment.cfm?e=AD88809A-9BEB-4A37-8540-0D42AADC1D64


I have re-submitted the Governor's Office submission.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.

Luc M Miron JD MBA
Governor's Office of Administration
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
717-533-3745
lmiron@state.pa.us





_____________________________________________
From:   Miron, Luc
Sent:   Monday, April 13, 2009 4:22 PM
To:     'BTOP@ntia.doc.gov'
Subject:        Commonwealth of PA submission [Docket No.
090309298-9299-01]

NTIA/RUS.

Please find attached written response from Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, Governor's Office of Administration, related to joint RFI
issuance from NTIA/RUS re [Docket No. 090309298-9299-01].

Comments have also been electronically posted on NTIA website.

Thanks for your consideration of this matter.


Luc M. Miron JD MBA
Governor's Office of Administration
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA  17120
717-533-3745

 << File: 04 13 2009 FINAL SIGNED Response to NTIA - RUS Notice.pdf >>

Attachments

04 13 2009 FINAL SIGNED Response to NTIA - RUS Notice.pdf

Fwd: NTIA Public Comments

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z


>>> Paul Van Hoesen  4/13/2009 11:51:15 PM >>>
I have noted that it appears that the NTIA public comment server
timestamp seems to be set for 2 hours ahead of Central Time.
Hopefully the Public comment period will be opened until at least 12
midnight Pacific time which is the end of April 13th for the mainland

U.S.   I submitted a comment at around 10:3p CST.

Given the President grew up in Hawaii you may want to keep it open
until 6am Eastern Time on April 14th which would then be 12 midnight
on April 13th.

  Guam is on the other side of the Date Line so you are safe!

Thanks, Paul

Paul Van Hoesen
Director
cTechnology, Inc.
www.ctechnology.org
615-566-6196

Fwd: RE: Web Form Comment | William L. Kovacs (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) | 8:54:00 PM

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z


>>> "Goldman, Jason"  4/14/2009 3:31:04 PM >>>
Thank you for fixing the below problem.   I have one other request.
The
link on the posted comments Web page says the submission is from
William
L. Kovacs (which is technically correct), but can we change it to say
that the submission is from our organization (U.S. Chamber of
Commerce),
instead of the individual.



Thanks again for your assistance.



Best,

Jason







===



Jason D. Goldman

Counsel

Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

1615 H Street, NW

Washington, DC 20062

Tel: 202-463-5949

Fax: 202-887-3445

E-mail:  jgoldman@uschamber.com

________________________________

From: Goldman, Jason
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 1:43 PM
To: 'ntiahelpdesk@ntia.doc.gov'
Subject: Web Form Comment | William L. Kovacs (U.S. Chamber of
Commerce)
| 8:54:00 PM



On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, William L. Kovacs submitted
comments on 4/13/2009.  However, there seems to be a technical error
with the posting of our comments.  Clicking on the link to our
comments
results in a "Page Not Found" error. Please fix or advise me on how to
correct this problem.



Thanks,

Jason



===



Jason D. Goldman

Counsel

Environment, Technology & Regulatory Affairs

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

1615 H Street, NW

Washington, DC 20062

Tel: 202-463-5949

Fax: 202-887-3445

E-mail:  jgoldman@uschamber.com

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T14:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Email:	wlehr@mit.edu
Address:	32 Vassar Street (32-G814)
	Cambridge, MA 02139

Please add me to the BTOP Correspondence list.

Also, consider the following reports I co-authored for the John Adams Innovation Institute of the Massachussetts Technology Collaborative:

"Measurement and Assessment of Broadband Availability," with Tony Smith-Grievo, report prepared for John Adams Innovation Institute of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Janury 2009 (see http://people.csail.mit.edu/wlehr/Lehr-Papers_files/LehrJan09 bb availability.pdf)

"Broadband Metrics Best Practices: Review and Assessment," with Tony Smith-Grieco and Grace Rusi Woo, report prepared for Massachusetts Technology Collaborative/John Adams Innovation Institute (MTC/JAII), February 2008 (see http://people.csail.mit.edu/wlehr/Lehr-Papers_files/Broadband Metrics Best Practices Survey Feb08.pdf).

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T05:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	c/o kurt
Law firm:	none
Email:	kurt@wavelinc.com
Address:	P.O. Box 126
	Bucyrus, OH 44820

DO NOT PUT THE LOCAL HOMETOWN ISP'S OUT OF BUSINESS! There are many ISP's such as myself that have successfully built our business's up with NO FEDERAL ASSISTANCE and we are actually providing the broadband service to these unserved and underserved markets. If this money is given out to large company's that will come in and squash the smaller ISP's this will be OUTRAGEOUS!!!! I personally am against the entire broadband stimulus because of the potential to run off all the small mom and pop businesse's that built this with no help from Uncle Sam in the first place!

buy American

2009-04-15T03:04:00Z

Dear NTIA,

I understand there are still open questions about whether a "Buy American"
provision will be included in the broadband stimulus program.  I have lived
in both the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina and in Northern
California which contain very large concentrations of telecommunications
equipment vendors.  The money that our government will be using for
broadband infrastructure, the money that I will be contributing as a
taxpayer, should be focused on supporting those vendors who have made the
decision to keep manufacturing in the United States instead of sending it
outside of the country.  If a Buy American provision is not included in the
program it stands to reason that most of my tax dollars will end up in Asia
where a majority of the products are built.  How does that help the people
here in America looking for a job?

President Obama has said many times that we need to invest in American
manufacturing to help bring us out of this economic crisis.  Please take his
lead and help keep jobs and create jobs here by including a Buy American
provision in the broadband stimulus program.

Fwd: City of Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr.'s Comments on BTOP

2009-04-15T02:04:00Z

 


This message has been scanned for malware by SurfControl plc. www.surfcontrol.com

Attachments

KVC.to.NTIA.Comment.4.13.09.Broadband.Regs..pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T02:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	n2971 c.t.h.Y
Address:	n2971 c.t.h.Y
	Oakfield, WI 53065

It is really great that the government is spending tax dollars to help get broadband into rural areas,The farmers need a faster connection.Maybe if the taxpayers convinced their elected officials to enact regulation requiring the providers to provide the broadband,Taxpayers could take a Holiday.....; )

Support Made in America

2009-04-15T01:04:00Z

As an American taxpayer, I am writing to strongly encourage you to respect the Buy American provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act when choosing telecommunications equipment vendors for projects to expand the broadband infrastructure.
�
It is the intent of ARRA to maintain and create jobs in America . Granting contracts to companies whose manufacturing base is in Asia will defeat the purpose of the stimulus bill by transferring taxpayer funds to other countries. The large members of the Telecommunications Industry Association such as Motorola and�Alcatel-Lucent claim that the domestic supply is not adequate. That is not entirely true. There are American suppliers of telecommunications equipment which have kept manufacturing in America. It is the point of the stimulus package to keep these companies open and begin expanding and hiring. What is the point to increase the profits of companies that are off shoring much of their labor force? It will mean a jobless recovery and a slide back into deeper recession or worse while paying for job expansion in Asia.
�
It is of critical importance to take seriously and strongly enforce the American labor content provisions of ARRA for broadband infrastructure and to support those companies who have worked so hard to keep their manufacturing in America . It can be done. Please respect the wishes of the American taxpayer to use their hard-earned funds to support the creation and expansion of American jobs.
�
Best regards,
�
Natalie Schafer
Oakland , CA

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T01:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Scott Smyth, Trillion Partners
Email:	scott.smyth@trillion.net
Address:	9208 Waterford Centre Boulevard
	Austin, TX 78758

See attached

Attachments

NTIA RUS TRILLION COMMENTS ver 4 Final.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-15T00:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Christina St Germaine
Email:	cceds@orofino-id.com
Address:	PO Box 1826
	217 First Street
	Orofino, ID 83544

Allow eligibility beyond incorporated city limits to encourage connectivity to rural locations;

USDA-RUS funding is limited to serving communities as defined by census that do not have any access to broadband, we need a mechanism to deliver to locations outside of census defined 'communities'

Build in points for collaborative efforts that maximize technology to deliver capacity in remote areas

Do not fund strategic planning only implementation that is based off of existing strategic implementation planning efforts

Incentivise delivery of infrastructure to rural locations and subscribers will pay a fair market rate for service; utilize the grants to leverage the delivery which will reduce up front outlay so ISP's can offer affordable rates

qualification of submissions on the Buy America applicability question

2009-04-15T00:04:00Z

re: Comments submitted to date regarding Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

Dear all:

We note with interest the recent public comment from the
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), which urges the
application of the public waiver (ARRA Section 1605 (b)(1)(a)) of the
Buy American provision to all information and communication technology
products purchased for broadband stimulus-funded projects.

We would like to call to your attention the facts that:

(1) the TIA offered no proof that the public interest would be harmed
by the consideration of American labor content in assessment of NTIA
and RUS grant proposals.  The availability of very broad portfolios of
access products from companies that do still engineer and manufacture
their gear in the United States (with Adtran and Zhone representing
just two examples) at competitive prices suggests no likely harm
to the public interest

and

(2) Of the 17 large telecommunications product suppliers who are
represented on the governing board of the TIA, listed below, 8 (or 47%)
of them are foreign multinationals (indicated with an X below).  This
suggests the alignment of the TIA's interests with the interests of the
United States and its taxpayers on this source-of-supply matter is
certainly open to some question, and their comments should be
considered in that light.

----------------
Major Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers Represented
on the TIA Board
(X = Foreign Multinational)

   ADC Telecommunications
   Adtran
X  Alcatel-Lucent
   Avaya
   Cisco
X  Ericsson
   Intel
X  LGE
   Microsoft
X  Nokia Siemens Networks
X  Nortel
X  Panasonic
   Qualcomm
X  Research in Motion
X  Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp.
   Tellabs
   Tyco
----------------

Thank you for your consideration, and best regards,

Steven Glapa
VP of Product Management and Marketing
Zhone Technologies, Inc.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T23:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Governor Dave Freudenthal
Email:	twilso@state.wy.us
Address:	c/o Wyoming PSC, 2515 Warren Avenue Suite 300
	Cheyenne, WY 82002

Please find attached Governor Dave Freudenthal's comments on the broadband stimulus program

Attachments

LockeVilsackGomezDortch ARRA Broadband.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T23:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Patricia A. Tatich
Email:	tatichp@co.warren.ny.us
Address:	Warren County Muni Center
	1340 State Route 9
	Lake George, New York, NY 12845-9803

The distribution of funding for the broadband grants program should give maximum consideration of assistance to unserved and underserved areas ouside of MSA'a as defined by the Cenus Bureau. These areas require a direct investment of funding for expanding high speed broadband fiber and related wireless systems - particularly in an Open Access Network Model.This delivery model for high speed broadband service offers a competitive method for selecting providers and results in the best prices for end users.Additionally, telemedicine and centers for advanced education would positively impact those they serve as a result of this public investment.Broadband is a vital infrastructure and should be given an equity position with other public system needs within our commuities. Increasing digital literacy must follow as a companion effort to the physical expansion of high speed fiber. The Adirondack Region of NYS stands as an example of a large, diverse rural area in need of this public investment. Thank you for the opportunity to briefly address matter.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T23:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	kevin jones
Email:	kevyjones@hotmail.com
Address:	2338 Telegraph Ave. #207
	Berkeley, CA 94704

I've read some of the comments. Most are ridiculous.
1. cell phones radiate about 250mW to 1Watt through your head when you use it. WiFi is only about 50mW. Cell towers put out around 10Watts. So people need to stop talking about health effects. Or make a club and limit the cell power.
2. Everyone and their mother has some little WiFi, fiber, long distance, rural, ....etc. network. Jesus!! If the money is used to support your little network then we have problems.
***********************************************
We need a national solution. Something with good technology. Not the rinky-dink networks that everyone is posting comments about.
***********************************************
So here's what you do:
Find out what the best technology is from what's currently on the market and find the best technology from what has been researched the top colleges. From these 2 resources you have have all available technologies. Don't trust marketing people because they'll tell you 600Mbps...and we all know that's BS. Talk to the engineers!!!!!!

From here, you need to devise a plan of action. This will depend on what technology you choose and what is currently available.

Braodband stimulus should be buy American

2009-04-14T23:05:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS
administrators:

It is my understanding you are considering allowing the Broadband stimulus program to purchase from foreign vendors.


As you are aware the telecom industry has been in a slump for many years, and as a result many American vendors have gone out of business.

We need the stimulus bill to help revive the telecom industry in America and make the US a leader in telecom once again. We do not need to help the Asian labor force with this program.

Please help this industry in America with a Buy American provision in the implementation of your programs.

Lets create American jobs, and use this opportunity to revive a once strong American industry.


Thank
you.

Joe Fortin
Roswell Georgia.

Buy American

2009-04-14T23:05:00Z

Dear Sir or Madam:

It has come to my attention that there is an effort underway to undermine the "buy America" effort of the recovery plan by large corporations that are using foreign labor but are claiming to be American companies. The Telecommunications Industry Association have come out against this campaign and are making false claims that there are not enough sources to domestic supplies - this is just untrue. There are plenty of labor sources here in the US (check latest unemployment rates) and if we put some effort into getting Americans back to work and dropping our unemployment down to the low single digits again, then the sources would increase.
There has been a lot of pressure by our president on foreign leaders to increase their stimulus spending and they have resisted. The funds we are releasing to US corporations should go those that are doing RnD in the US as well as manufacturing. Anything less is just more money moving off-shore w/o impacting working people here at home and just an increase in top executive's pay. Let's not waste these funds as was done with AIG bonuses. Thanks,

Don Turner.

Buy American -- There IS Adequate Domestic Supply

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

To Whom it may concern,

I understand that the telecommunications industry is urging against the application of the Buy American provision to the broadband programs citing an inadequate source of domestic supply. It is true that many in this industry have moved their source of manufacture for broadband telecommunication to off-shore facilities. I believe this exodus of manufacturing is part of the root cause requiring the economic stimulus legislation in the first place.

I am a proud American taxpayer who makes a living manufacturing broadband telecommunications in the United States. There is indeed adequate sources of domestic supply! Some of it here in Largo Florida.

I urge you to support the provisions to Buy American.

Best Regards,

Tom Taber
1200 Country Club Drive Apt 1305
Largo, Florida 33771

Opportunity to advance clean tech manufacturing when allocating stimulus funding

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

Stipulating that stimulus funding should be allocated to purchase equipment
that is manufactured or at least assembled in the US using clean tech
practices could help to revamp American manufacturing and promote key jobs.
Further, allocating R&D resources to promote clean, ultra efficient
manufacturing processes domestically is an opportunity to put US ingenuity
to work on one of the most important problems of our day.



Please don't miss an opportunity to promote and support further development
into clean tech manufacturing.



Thank you.



Kind Regards,



Tracy Oliver

Buy America

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

It has come to my attention that many members of the Telecommunications Industry are arguing against the Buy America provision of the�broadband stimulus package.� As I understand this, the industry is arguing that there are not adequate�domestic sources of supply.� 
�
As an employee of a company that manufactures broadband equipment right here in Largo, FL�I would like to point out that of the 29 companies represented�on TIA's board of directors, 20 are US companies and 9 are not.� Twenty companies is an adequate source of domestic supply.� To have the broadband stimulus money spent with these companies will create many new jobs in America.� 
�
Please help American companies to creat jobs for Americans - please apply the Buy America provision of the broadband stimulus program.
�
Thank you,
Nancy Plants

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jenifer Simpson
Email:	jsimpson@aapd.com
Address:	AAPD
	1629 K Street NW
	Washington, DC 20006

AAPD comment is attached in Word.

Attachments

AAPD COmments to NTIA re Broadband 4-13-09 FINAL.doc

Comments

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

Dear Sirs:
These comments continue to pop back, or perhaps they have come through -- please confirm that you have recieved them

Regards,
Karen Kerrigan

Karen Kerrigan
President & CEO
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
2944 Hunter Mill Road
Suite 204
Oakton, VA 22124
703-242-5840

www.sbecouncil.org

Protecting small business, promoting entrepreneurship

Attachments

NTIA SBEC Comments.docx

Broadband correspondence list

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

To whom it may concern,
I would like to be added to the BTOP correspondence list. My company is
interested in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)
grants. My contact info is shown below.

Micron Technology is the last US based DRAM (computer memory chip)
manufacturer. Our competition comes mainly from Korea and Taiwan. These
memory components are critical components in the networking equipment
used run the internet, including broadband equipment. Micron has
innovative ideas on how to improve these devices, making them more power
efficient, higher speed and making the system boxes less susceptible to
computer viruses.

Thanks you very much. I look forward to getting the updates regarding
the 

Mathew Arcoleo
Sr. Market Strategist
Micron Technology
Office: (408) 822-0307
Cell: (408) 835-3391
marcoleo@micron.com

Notice of ex parte meeting.

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

Attached is a summary of a meeting between OPAD stafff and Connected
Nation, held on March 4, 2009.  Please post the summary on the NTIA
website.

Attachments

connected nation meeting notification.doc

Buy American

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs.  Nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to Asia.  If you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.

As a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I'm writing to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it all, American jobs creation!

Thank you for your attention,
Marian Hohl

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T21:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Greg Diamond
Email:	greg.diamond@level3.com
Address:	1025 Eldorado Blvd.
	Broomfield, CO 80021

Resubmission of comments filed on April 13, 2009

Ex Parte -- March 12, 2009 meeting

2009-04-14T22:05:00Z

Attached is an ex parte for a meeting held on March 12 with Apex
(meeting description plus Apex attachments).

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T20:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rural Mobile Boadband Alliance
Email:	luisahandem@rumbausa.com
Address:	45 Tiburon Drive
	The Hills, TX 78738

National Telecommunications & Information Administration
and Rural Utilities Service
Joint Request for Information
Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

COMMENTS OF THE RURAL MOBILE BROADBAND ALLIANCE
(RuMBA) USA

Background

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), created by the 2009 Recovery and Reinvestment ACT, presents an opportunity for the Federal Government to help support the creation of our nation’s first Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) (4G) Grid. The Grid is a cost-effective, IP-based mobile broadband 4th generation/backward-compatible network architecture that can rapidly be deployed in unserved, underserved areas and rural communities. RuMBA believes that (4G) Internet-based network technology is more economical and ’green’ than wired networks, and does not require expensive upgrades.

The build-out of a mobile broadband communications network will lead to immediate job retention and growth, and act as a long term economic stimulus, as envisioned in the 2009 Recovery Act. It should also provide essential communications and emergency alerting services in rural communities.

COMMENTS
RuMBA considers the following key minimum standards to be essential in determining the way forward in broadband deployment in rural areas:

1. Ubiquitous: Our telephones and modems must seamlessly work everywhere: in rural, suburban and urban areas, so as to cover the additional 2 million square miles of broadband coverage needed.

2. All areas of continental US must have availability of E-911, with location service, and an emergency cell broadcast system with weather and disaster alerting (SMS). Katrina-like outages are unacceptable.

3. Whether in the car, on the tractor, at home, in school or at work, and all areas in between, our nation relies on mobility; our networks must reflect our lifestyle needs.

4. Affordable: Rural Americans need competitive pricing for services and devices. Rural residents need the same access to services and devices as the rest of the country, at a fair price.

5. An investment must be made in next generation systems that can be operated at a profit and maintained by our local small town carriers. In expanding broadband connectivity, let’s look at the best, fastest, more dependable and affordable technologies, not yesterday’s.

PUBLIC SAFETY
With regards to point (2) above, Title VI states that grants should be issued to projects that “construct and deploy broadband facilities that improve public safety broadband communications services”. RuMBA considers it imperative that any mobile platform selected should support single-site, Phase II, E911 emergency cell broadcast, cell site priority calling and other critical public safety features. Providers should demonstrate their ability to provide and carry over their networks, emergency alert services (EAS) such as: severe weather watches and warnings, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, Amber Alerts, and other natural and manmade emergency information relevant to people living in rural areas.

RuMBA believes that a healthy competition among providers will ensue only if Mobile broadband be given primary consideration for BTOP funding. Although fixed wireless broadband has been paramount to the expansion of high-speed Internet, the US experience, over the last twenty years, with personal communications services has proven that end users desire to take their communications services with them. Mobile service is now the primary means for voice communications, and broadband services will follow the same path:

- According to Informa Research, 75% of wireless users will subscribe to mobile broadband services by 2013
- Mobile broadband is growing three times faster than fixed broadband – according to studies done by Pyramid Research.

NTIA QUESTIONS:

Broadband:
The FCC defines “Basic Broadband” as 768 kbps to 1.5 Mbps, and several tiers of service (called generations) above 1.5 Mbps. Other entities have defined broadband as 100kbps and above, or 256 kbps and above. RuMBA recommends a separate definition of broadband for wireless networks, and that 4G-ready Infrastructure be deployed in all rural areas, unserved and underserved areas, allowing for the gradual implementation of the fastest radio speed available. The IP-based infrastructure chosen should allow for interoperability of radio access, whether 2G, 3G or 4G, on technologies ranging from GSM, CDMA, UMTA, LTE and WiMax. That wireless connectivity should meet the definition of Broadband.

Peak-Use Connection Speed: (True Connection Speed measured during peak usage times) Providers should guarantee a minimum peak-use connection speed.

Unserved Area: When less than 20 per cent coverage of a geographical area is present, the area is unserved.

Underserved Area: Where 80 per cent of the geographical area is covered, by broadband providers, with remaining 20 per cent without coverage, the area is underserved.

Broadband Penetration: Broadband penetration can be measured as the ratio of broadband subscribers to Internet subscribers/users.

Broadband Availability: Broadband availability is the portion of the population of an area that may subscribe to a broadband connection at prices comparable to those available in non-rural areas.

Selection Criteria for Grants
1. A primary consideration should be the applicant’s ability to provide broadband access to the greatest number of users possible, at the lowest possible cost, particularly, in rural, unserved and underserved areas.
2. The type of technology to be deployed. Although neutrality should be the rule, differences in technologies should be considered, when a particular technology can deliver a better broadband experience, to the greatest number of users, at the lowest possible cost, per customer and area covered.
3. The long-term sustainability of the deployed network should be a consideration. It should not require continuous government funding.
4. Solutions presented by providers with a proven track record of broadband deployment, should be prioritized.
5. Within mobile broadband technologies, there exists situations specific to rural areas, where legacy system architectures, which work well for schools and hospitals, have held back the delivery of services in many areas. Fortunately, there are wireless providers that offer cost-effective solutions that are non-municipal based, and that are available in wider areas, while offering more simple billing functions.
6. Speed is important, but as stated above, should take the back seat to deployment of robust mobile (4G) options that can be upgraded as new technologies emerge.
7. A competitive environment should prevail, allowing for lower prices to emerge as a result of competition.
8. Projects that are ‘shovel ready’ and deployable in the shortest possible time, need be given special attention

Selection Criteria for Grants Issued under the Special Allocation for “Innovative Programs to Encourage Sustainable Adoption of Broadband Services”
1. Solutions that can significantly reduce providers operating cost in rural markets should be given selection priority.
2. Customer take-up rates and operating profitability are measures that can be used to determine whether a program has succeeded.

NTIA should determine that it is in the public interest for private sector entities, including equipment and network vendors, to be eligible for grant awards.
1. Eligibility for funding should be open to all entities, including private sector providers and equipment makers, as long as the proposal meets the litmus test of public interest. Most network build-out work is performed by network and equipment vendors, thus, the need to include such entities in the application and selection process. A likely scenario will be service providers and equipment makers filing joint applications.

RUS Questions

BROADBAND SPEED CONSIDERATION, as long as the currently available minimum speed established by the FCC is available, the following should be prioritized:
1. The availability of services from multiple providers, in a competitive environment, is more conducive to end user satisfaction, as there will be a choice of services that best fit each person’s technical requirements and ability or desire to pay.
2. RUS should prioritize broadband projects that will benefit the most residents in rural and underserved areas.
3. End users should have a choice of Internet service providers
4. RUS should prioritize applicants that have the funds to commence and complete projects
5. RUS should evaluate, from existing grants’ recipients, effectiveness of the provider in expanding broadband coverage, and level of satisfaction of existing customers.

Conclusion
RuMBA USA recommends that the federal government select applicants for funding from a variety of perspectives, that:
- Providers are able to deploy broadband in the largest possible unserved and underserved geographical area, cost-effectively, and within the time frame established.
- Applicants have a proven track record of successfully deploying networks, beginning with an established customer-base, however small.
- That mobile broadband – 4th Generation IP-based - be evaluated as an optimal solution for rural areas, thereby enabling viable and sustainable businesses in remote areas where such economic activity was not previously possible.

Attachments

ACF7E37.doc

Comments of the State of California

2009-04-14T20:05:00Z

The attached were submitted yesterday, and I received a confirmation of
their receipt, but they are inaccessible from NTIA comment website.  I
converted them to PDF format for ease of transmission.

 

 

Robert Haga

Chief of Staff to Commissioner Chong

CPUC

505 Van Ness Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 703-3700

rwh@cpuc.ca.gov

_____________________________________________

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T20:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Thomas K. Steel, Jr.
Email:	tom.steel@rcn.net
Address:	196 Van Buren Street
	Herndon, VA 20170

See attached document that was submitted by email on April 13, 2009.

Attachments

RCN NTIA-FCC Comments 041309.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T20:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	William A. Haas
Email:	william.haas@paetec.com
Address:	P.O. Box 3177
	Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3177

See attached document that was submitted by email on April 13, 2009.

Attachments

PAETEC NTIA-FCC Comments 041309.DOC

Fwd: FW: Comments - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T20:05:00Z

 
 
NTIA Help Desk
Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA, Room 4625 
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20230 
Office: 202-482-4631

>>> "Becker, Rick"  4/14/2009 2:37 PM >>>

Resubmission in PDF format. --Rick W. Becker
Office of the CIO and NITC
State of Nebraska
402-471-7984



rick.becker@nebraska.govFrom: Becker, Rick 
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 2:09 PM
To: 'BTOP@ntia.doc.gov'
Subject: Comments - Docket No. 090309298*9299*01

 Comments attached in PDF and Word formats.  --Rick W. Becker
Office of the CIO and NITC
State of Nebraska
402-471-7984


rick.becker@nebraska.gov

Attachments

ARRA Comments_Nebraska_Docket 090309298-9299-01_20090413.pdf

FW: Responses to the Joint Request for Information

2009-04-14T20:05:00Z

Will we receive any kind of confirmation that our comments were accepted?

John Ridgway
Manager - Telecom
Iowa Utilities Board
(515)281-4034
"Life is a long lesson in humility"

>  -----Original Message-----
> From: 	Ridgway, John [IUB]  
> Sent:	Monday, April 13, 2009 2:07 PM
> To:	'btop@ntia.doc.gov'
> Subject:	Responses to the Joint Request for Information
> 
> >  <> 
> 
> John Ridgway
> Manager - Telecom
> Iowa Utilities Board
> (515)281-4034
> "Life is a long lesson in humility"
>

Attachments

ruralbroadbandstrategy-04-10-091.doc

FW: Delivery Status Notification (Failure)

2009-04-14T19:05:00Z

If the on-line system doesn't work and file is too large for email, how
do I get these comments submitted?

_____________________________________________
From: System Administrator 
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 11:43 AM
To: Haga, Robert
Subject: Undeliverable: Delivery Status Notification (Failure)

Your message did not reach some or all of the intended recipients.

      Subject:	 Comments of the State of California

The following recipient(s) could not be reached:

      BTOP@ntia.doc.gov on 4/14/2009 11:43 AM
            This message is larger than the current system limit or the
recipient's mailbox is full.  Create a shorter message body or remove
attachments and try sending it again.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T19:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Luisa Handem, Rural Mobile Broadband Alliance
Email:	luisahandem@rumbausa.com
Address:	45 Tiburon Drive
	The Hills, TX 78738

Attached please see comments from the Rural Mobile Broadband Alliance (RuMBA) USA

Attachments

RuMBA USA Comments to NTIA and RUS[1].doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T19:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Morna Foy
Email:	morna.foy@wtcsystem.edu
Address:	4622 University Avenue
	Madison, WI 53707-7874

Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service

Washington, D.C. Joint request for information: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives )
)
) Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

The Wisconsin Technical College State Board is the governing body of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). The WTCS has 16 technical college districts throughout Wisconsin, which offer more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the System is a major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community and the primary provider of adult basic education services in the state. More than half of all adults in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training in the last decade. We appreciate this opportunity to comment on the broadband funding available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Following are comments regarding specific RUS/NTIA questions.

Effective ways to offer broadband funds to ensure that rural residents receive it
To ensure that un-served and under-served populations gain access to broadband services, proposals that include public/private partnerships should be given priority for infrastructure funding. Such projects should finance infrastructure to connect Community Anchor Institutions broadly defined to include Universities, Technical and Community colleges, Schools, Libraries, Museums, Health care facilities and other institutions that are able to aggregate regional entities, are geographically dispersed and are accessible to the public. The WTCS supports such a project filed in this same docket by WiscNet (Wisconsin’s Research, Education, and Public Service Network); Go-GIG!

If bandwidth can be expanded or brought to CANs (Community Area Networks) or Community Anchor Institutions, then local users only need to get local connections, which is much cheaper than the long distances between communities. Once we pay for the anchor sites – then the local ISP / providers can afford to connect public users on extra fiber that would be run when the Anchor Institutions are connected. Local users may still need to pay for the local connections, but the return on investment for the vendors should be less, so fees can be less to the users.

The $200 million for public computing centers should give priority to proposals that involve collaboration between libraries and community colleges and which leverage the existing broadband assets and capacity of both or multiple entities. To best leverage existing broadband capacity, and to ensure that the public can truly take advantage of new infrastructure or expanded capacity, services and staff associated with improving public access should be an eligible use of these funds, including training services, security, user support services, and equipment upgrades.

Eligible Grant Recipients
Community Area Networks (CANs) operated or managed by the public sector, not-for-profits, or by the private sector should be eligible entities. Priority should be given to CANs that serve areas with large low income populations or un- and under-served populations.

Establishing Selection Criteria for Grant Awards
In addition to the specific criteria referenced in the Recovery Act, priority or preference in the grant ranking process should be given to:
• Applications that seek to expand existing programs, infrastructure and services
• Applications that provide long-term benefits (e.g., fiber)
• Applications that show collaboration or partnerships, (e.g., CANs), and
• Applications that demonstrate a large regional or statewide impact.

Grant Mechanics
Give priority to applications that build on existing programs and services and that have a track record the applicant can document. Consider a more streamlined application process for grants requesting less than $50,000. Have reasonable limits on the length of the grant application form.

Grants for Expanding Public Computer Center Capacity
The nation’s technical and community colleges have significant investments in broadband capacity that could be leveraged with the nation’s public libraries physical capacity to maximize the number of public computing centers established through the ARRA funding. Key needs of such collaborative proposals include:
• Expanded bandwidth
• Security
• Ongoing user training and support
• Ongoing maintenance and equipment upgrades

To encourage leveraging of existing resources, the $200 million for public computing centers should give priority to proposals that involve collaboration between libraries and community colleges and which leverage the existing broadband assets and capacity of both or multiple entities. To best leverage existing broadband capacity, and to ensure that the public can truly take advantage of new infrastructure or expanded capacity, services and staff associated with improving public access should be an eligible use of these funds, including training services, security, user support services and equipment upgrades.

Innovative Programs to Encourage Sustainable Adoption of Broadband Services
The economic effect of expanding the nation’s broadband infrastructure will be reduced if the majority of end users of this structure (businesses, consumers) do not have the equipment, technical skills or knowledge to access the system. Educational and community service organizations with established programs for delivering this technical skill and knowledge and whose service area includes un-served or under-served populations, should be eligible to apply for grants for education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support under Section 6001(b)(3) ).

Financial Contributions by Grant Applicants
Allow in-kind contributions to be considered as the “match”. Specifically, for public computing center projects, in-kind match should be required to demonstrate existing broadband and public access assets.

Attachments

ARRA Broadband Comments.doc

Fwd: APCO International's Comments for the Broadband Grants Program

2009-04-14T19:05:00Z


NTIA Help Desk
Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA, Room 4625
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
Office: 202-482-4631

>>> "Yucel Ors"  4/14/2009 9:44 AM >>>

Good morning,

APCO International submitted a comment yesterday for the Broadband
Grants
Program using the web form
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm.
The comments are posted, but the link on the posted comments web page
(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments.cfm) states the
submission
is from George Rice. Is there any way we can get the link on the page
changed to "APCO International".  Please call me if you have any
questions.
Thank you for your assistance in this issue.


Yucel H. Ors
Director of Government Relations
Office of Government Affairs
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
International
1426 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (571) 312-4400 ext 7005

Fwd: APCO International's Comments for the Broadband Grants Program

2009-04-14T19:05:00Z


NTIA Help Desk
Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA, Room 4625
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
Office: 202-482-4631

>>> "Yucel Ors"  4/14/2009 9:44 AM >>>

Good morning,

APCO International submitted a comment yesterday for the Broadband
Grants
Program using the web form
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm.
The comments are posted, but the link on the posted comments web page
(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments.cfm) states the
submission
is from George Rice. Is there any way we can get the link on the page
changed to "APCO International".  Please call me if you have any
questions.
Thank you for your assistance in this issue.


Yucel H. Ors
Director of Government Relations
Office of Government Affairs
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
International
1426 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (571) 312-4400 ext 7005

Fwd: NTIA filing

2009-04-14T19:05:00Z

 
 
NTIA Help Desk
Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA, Room 4625 
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20230 
Office: 202-482-4631

>>> "Hiller, Marc (OFT)"  4/14/2009 10:13 AM >>>

Good morning.  I emailed in my filings yesterday, attached.  I did not realize there was a form.  I tried to submit this morning but it is not accepting my attachments * all that shows up is the file path.  Please let me know how I can complete the filing.  Thank you. Marc Hiller, Esq.Associate AttorneyNew York State Office for TechnologyState CapitolEmpire State PlazaP.O. Box 2062Albany, New York 12220 Phone: (518) 473-5115Fax:  (518) 486-7923email: marc.hiller@oft.state.ny.us 

This e-mail, including any attachments, may be confidential, privileged or otherwise legally protected. It is intended only for the addressee. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, do not disseminate, copy or otherwise use this e-mail or its attachments. Please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete the e-mail from your system.

late signon to broadband comment

2009-04-14T19:05:00Z

Dear friends,

I am writing to express Reclaim the Media's support for the attached
comment, submitted by several public interest advocacy organizations in
docket no. 090309298-9299-01, pertaining to the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives.

The attached comment was submitted in advance of yesterday's deadline; I
have simply added our group's name to the list of cosigners.

many thanks

Jonathan Lawson


Jonathan Lawson
Executive Director

Reclaim the Media
Community organizing for social change through media justice
www.reclaimthemedia.org |
email list

Attachments

MDC NTIA RUS BB comments.pdf

Fwd: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives - Comments of the State of Miss

2009-04-14T18:05:00Z


NTIA Help Desk
Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA, Room 4625
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
Office: 202-482-4631

>>> "Kliethermes, Sarah"  4/14/2009 12:47
PM >>>


I submitted the attached Comment yesterday, on behalf of the State of
Missouri, via the email address 'BTOP@ntia.doc.gov' , and wanted
to confirm its inclusion in the record.    The current record for the
State of Missouri is illegible.


Thank you,
Sarah L. Kliethermes
MoBar# 60024
Legal Counsel
573 751-6726
Fax 751-9285
sarah.kliethermes@psc.mo.gov


From: Kliethermes, Sarah
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 2:58 PM
To: 'BTOP@ntia.doc.gov'
Cc: Kliethermes, Sarah; Dietrich, Natelle*; Luebbert, Mary
Subject: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband
Initiatives - Comments of the State of Missouri




Please find attached the comments of the State of Missouri.

Thank you,
Sarah L. Kliethermes
MoBar# 60024
Legal Counsel
573 751-6726
Fax 751-9285
sarah.kliethermes@psc.mo.gov

Attachments

NTIA comments 20090413.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Paul L. Hill, Ph.D.
Law firm:	EPSCoR/IDeA Foundation
Email:	jhoehn@epscorfoundation.org
Address:	101 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
	Ste 650 East
	Washington, DC 20001

Please see attachments

Attachments

Re: Docket 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T17:05:00Z

I filed these comments yesterday, but am hoping you will consider this
amended version instead.  The substance is the same, but two additional
organizations have added their name to the filing.

Thank you,
Beth McConnell

On 4/13/09 5:07 PM, "Beth McConnell"  wrote:

> Attached are comments of a coalition of non profit and public interest
> organizations.  I can be the point of contact for this filing, and my info is
> below.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Beth McConnell
> Executive Director
> Media & Democracy Coalition
> 2044 S. Darien St., Philadelphia PA 19148
> 1133 19th St., NW, 9th Floor, Washington DC, 20036
> bmcconnell@media-democracy.net
> Phone: 267-918-7207
> Fax: 509-756-0392
> www.media-democracy.net
>

--
Beth McConnell
Executive Director
Media & Democracy Coalition
2044 S. Darien St., Philadelphia PA 19148
1133 19th St., NW, 9th Floor, Washington DC, 20036
bmcconnell@media-democracy.net
Phone: 267-918-7207
Fax: 509-756-0392
www.media-democracy.net

Attachments

MDC NTIA RUS BB stim comments FINAL.amended.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Space Data Corporation
Address:	460 South Benson Lane #12
	Gerald Knoblach
	Chandler, AZ 85224

Refiling comments (no edits made)

Keep the work in the USA

2009-04-14T16:05:00Z

Please don't let the Stimulus Package send manufacturing jobs off shore.
I am the Director of Operations of Zhone Technologies, Inc., here in
Largo, Florida.   We manufacture broadband internet equipment.  We are
one of the few remaining electronic manufacturing companies in the US.
We have remained competitive through the years, and employ 140
assemblers, technicians, and engineers in Largo.

As you know, the Stimulus Package has provisions for $7.2B for expanding
broadband internet.
It is estimated that 60% of the costs of broadband infrastructure
projects will go to equipment vendors like us.  Since many manufacturers
have off shored their manufacturing to Asia, failure to apply the Buy
America provision could easily result in as much as $4 billion out of
the total $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds going directly to
sustain and create jobs in Asia.
We need those jobs here in Largo, helping our tax base, providing for
employment, and helping our people.

Can you help please, by influencing the Departments of Commerce and
Agriculture to apply the Buy America provision,  and avoid sending half
the $7.2B in broadband stimulus funds to support jobs in Asia.

Thank you very much.

Charles Bauer
Director of Operations
Zhone Technologies, Inc.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John Chuang
Email:	chuang@qservicesco.com
Address:	8829 Bond St
	Overland Park, KS 66214

Please accept the comments of Cinergy MetroNet, Inc.

Attachments

CMN_NTIA_RUS Cmts.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T15:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Clayton Banks
Email:	info@embermedia.com
Address:	224 W. 35th Street #1001
	New York, NY 10001

I respectfully submit the following comment in response to the NTIA/RUs funding. It is imperative that incentives are put in place for Minority and Women own comapnies to receive priority when selecting recipients for funding. Access to capital is critical to job creation and small companies are not positioned to leverage assets in the way larger companies are capable. Encouraging partnerships and alliances will spur growth and ensure that unserved and underserved communities are properly mapped, built, and serviced.

Thank you,

Clayton Banks
President
Ember Media

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NYS Office for Technology
Email:	marc.hiller@oft.state.ny.us
Address:	The Capitol, Empire State Plaza
	P.O. Box 2062
	Albany, NY 12220

Attachments submitted below.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NYS Office for Technology
Email:	marc.hiller@oft.state.ny.us
Address:	The Capitol, Empire State Plaza
	P.O. Box 2062
	Albany, NY 12220

See attached

Attachments

Comments of Open Internet Coalition in Docket No. 0903098298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z


Markham C. Erickson

Holch & Erickson LLP

400 N. Capitol Street NW

Suite 585

Washington DC 20001



The phone at my office's reception desk: +1 202.624.1460

The phone on my desk: +1 202.624.1462

My mobile phone: +1 202.744.4318

Skype name: m.c.erickson

Y! Instant Messenger name:  
markhamerickson@rocketmail.com

Email address:  
merickson@holcherickson.com

Web address:   www.holcherickson.com



This email communication and any attachments are intended only for the
individual or company to which it is addressed and may contain information
which is privileged, confidential, and prohibited from disclosure or
unauthorized use under applicable law.  If you are not the intended
recipient of this email communication, you are hereby notified that any use,
dissemination, or copying of this email communication or the information
contained in this email is strictly prohibited by the sender.  If you have
received this transmission in error, please return the material received to
the sender and delete all copies from your computer.

Attachments

Open Internet Coalition Comments April 13 2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Yucel Ors
Email:	orsy@apcomail.org
Address:	1426 Prince Street
	Alexandria, VA 22314

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These comments are being filed on behalf of Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International.

Attachments

ACF7D04.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chris A. Jones
Email:	foxfirejones@sbcglobal.net
Address:	15633 Hunting Ridge Trail
	Granger, IN 46530

April 14, 2009

I am originally a native of Plymouth Indiana, and grew up in Marshall County. I have worked in the IT industry since 1989 and am presently the IT Manager for a medium-sized business called Mossberg & Company located in South Bend Indiana. In my role I am responsible for all IT functions of our enterprise. Our company uses a dark fiber network called the St. Joseph Valley Metronet for site interconnectivity and high-speed connectivity to the Internet. As of yesterday, 4/13/2009, have been using to this dark fiber network for exactly two years time, and the benefits to our company are great and many. Using this fast, secure network allows us to compete on an international level. Since the SJVM is vendor neutral, we enjoy competitive pricing and a wide selection of high quality Internet and long haul fiber carriers. This allows our company to control costs, provide excellent service levels, and positions us nicely for future opportunities. It is my understanding that a dark fiber network project has been proposed for Marshall County Indiana, my childhood home and our neighboring county just to the South.

I still have many ties to the Marshall County area. Having grown up there, I have seen the economic landscape change. Opportunities have evaporated, as an economy that was primarily based on agriculture and manufacturing has undergone change through the natural course of events.

In general, I would submit the following opinions for your consideration:

• Please use these funds to promote creation of new businesses and to retain existing businesses by making them more competitive through reduced telecommunications costs.

• Projects to be funded should promote the use of “vendor-neutral” connectivity so that businesses can leverage competition for better prices. This proposed project does so.

• Priority should be given to “dark fiber” projects. A “dark fiber” project allows businesses access to high-speed data communication network capabilities at the most cost-effective prices available. This can allow a company or locality to compete on national and international levels.

• Areas of high unemployment (2% higher or more than the national average) should be given high priority for funding. Marshall County’s current unemployment rate is over 14% as I write this.

• Lowering the cost of communications should be a primary goal of the funded projects.

• Jurisdictions that are primarily rural as defined by USDA Rural Development are the locations most in need of funding. Marshall County Indiana fits this description.

• An underserved area should be defined as an area with limited broadband access, generally less than four available, and broadband service that is only available at a non-competitive prices. Marshall County Indiana fits this description, with local choices for high-speed Internet being the Local Exchange Carrier, cable provider, or wireless access. These are not secure, reliable options that meet the needs of today’s business owners and their current and potential customer base.

• A “dark fiber” network project allows the greatest degree of flexibility for businesses to connect to branch offices, ISP’s, long-haul telephone companies who have locations in carrier hotels, etc. Therefore, funding should be applied first to “dark fiber” networks such as this project proposed in Marshall County Indiana.

• Fiber optic cable projects, which are inherently more secure and dependable, should be given priority over wireless projects. Wireless networks can be useful, but not as a primary high-speed connectivity infrastructure. Furthermore, fiber optic networks provide us the best path for future growth, using Dense Wavelenght Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and potential for OC-192 speeds and beyond.

• A public/private partnership that combines resources and is consistent with past government projects to provide a base infrastructure that allows private companies to thrive will be the most cost-effective use of public funds. A primary goal is to encourage opportunity and business growth, thereby increasing the tax base, and providing long-term benefit for the community and local government efforts.

• Projects that will connect to a carrier hotel offer the greatest amount of flexibility and promote competition between vendors, and create the most advantageous economic development climate. The proposed project for Marshall County Indiana would provide direct connectivity to Union Station in South Bend Indiana, one of only two carrier hotels in the state of Indiana.

• Projects that not only promote affordable Internet access but also include point to point and other data connectivity should be given preference. The project proposed for Marshall County Indiana would provide connectivity options to a host of Internet carriers, but also to an existing dark fiber network infrastructure that exists in the metropolitan St. Joseph County / South Bend / Mishawaka Indiana area. This would provide greater economic opportunity for this entire portion of the Northern Indiana area.

• Projects limited to Internet-based initiatives only will not be the best vehicle for creating the jobs of the future. Projects that revolve around all kinds of Broadband Access should be given preference. This could include secure business-to-business connections to entities that have tight regulatory or security requirements, such as health care providers, financial institutions, and higher education institutions. The project proposed for Marshall County Indiana would provide this type of flexible connectivity.

• Projects that allow equal to or greater than 1Gbit/s connectivity between end points should be given high priority, as these connection speeds are the future for technology-based job creation. The project proposed for Marshall County Indiana specifies fiber capable of carrying data at speeds of greater than 1 Gbit/s.

• Projects that partner with existing, proven business entities such as long-standing carrier hotels and data centers and existing successful business models should be funded At present there multiple collocation and IT service providers that rely on the existing dark fiber network in St. Joseph County as a key component of their business model. My personal feeling is that with the excellent IT training resources currently provided by Crossroads Academy, a not-for-profit training center located in Plymouth Indiana, the project proposed could reap rich economic rewards through the creation of new opportunities. As someone who loves technology and cares a great deal about the future of rural Indiana, this is a very exciting prospect.

I respectfully ask your consideration for funding this dark fiber network project for Marshall County Indiana. Having experienced first hand the benefits this type of infrastructure can bring to a local economy, I believe there is a great opportunity here before us. Thank you in advance for your kind consideration of this project.

Fwd: Letter to NTIA

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z


NTIA Help Desk
Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA, Room 4625
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
Office: 202-482-4631

>>> "Patrick Sullivan"  4/14/2009 8:54 AM >>>

I loaded this letter onto the NTIA filing system yesterday, and wanted
to confirm its inclusion in the record. Patrick SullivanDirector,
Technical and Government AffairsThe Telecommunications Industry
Association10 G Street, NEWashington, DC 20002202-346-3244
(O)703-581-2579 (C)

Attachments

NTIA 20% Match FINAL.pdf

Fwd: public comment 4/13/09

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z


NTIA Help Desk
Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Office of Spectrum Management
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA, Room 4625
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230
Office: 202-482-4631

>>> "chris cooper"  4/14/2009 9:04 AM >>>

Hi- I submitted my public comments last night at 11.30 pm, which was
before what I thought was the midnight deadline.  When I submitted my
comments at 11.30 est, the NTIA system returned a time stamp of 12.30
am.  My comments have not appeared on your website.  Was there an error
of some sort with the time stamp.  I would like my comments to appear,
please advise on how this can be achieved. Thank you,Chris
CooperIntelliwave LLC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The Telecommunications Industry Association
Attorney:	Patrick Sullivan
Email:	psullivan@tiaonline.org
Address:	The Telecommunications Industry Association
	10 G Street, NE, Suite 550
	Washington, OTHER 20002

The Telecommunications Industry Association respectfully submits this letter urging NTIA to attribute pre-existing infrastructure investments necessary to BTOP projects to the statutorily-required 20 percent non-Federal match as in-kind contributions. This letter was filed electronically yesterday at 5pm, but has not yet posted.

Attachments

NTIA 20 Match FINAL.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bonnie Manning
Email:	hchs1@earthlink.net
Address:	P. O. Box 307
	Sneedville, TN 37869

April 14, 2009>

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
/s/
Bonnie Manning, President
Hancock County Historical & Gen. Society

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	2846 SW Adams St.
Address:	2846 SW Adams St.
	Seattle, WA 98126

In the interests of our children and their future, we urge you to remove universal wireless broadband and broadband over power lines from your administration’s agenda, and instead promote broadband access using only communication cables and fiber optics. In addition, the “Smart Grid” should be reexamined in order to develop different, healthier ways to make the nation’s electrical grid more efficient.

Current FCC regulations controlling human exposure to radio frequency radiation, emitted by every communication antenna, are based on research conducted before 1986. These regulations are long out of date. The national wireless infrastructure has expanded enormously since then.

A recent review of the scientific literature on cell phone radiation points out that 68% of studies have found one or more biological effects from exposure levels previously deemed “safe.”1 This radiation is now being associated with attention deficit disorder, autism, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy, as well as asthma, diabetes, malignant melanoma, breast cancer, and other illnesses which have become increasingly more common.

We call on your administration to reconvene the Radio Frequency Inter-Agency Work Group, whose members, representing the FCC, EPA, FDA, OSHA, NIOSH and NTIA, have expressed concern that current regulations are inadequate.2 This group should be empowered to revise existing federal regulations to reflect current science.

As with global warming, the dangers of electrosmog are no longer in doubt scientifically, only politically. Many governments and official organizations around the world, including the European Environment Agency,3 the French Parliament,4 the UK Department of Education,5 the Austrian Medical Association,6 the Belgian Ministry of Climate and Energy,7 and the Toronto Department of Public Health,8 have already issued warnings or restrictions on the use of cell phones and/or wireless computers by children.

The stakes are high. Universal wireless, broadband over power lines, and “Smart Grid” technology mean that exposure to radiation is involuntary, and that the more vulnerable members of society have nowhere to go to escape it. We are also concerned about documented effects on birds, insects and other wildlife.

Attached for review by you and your staff are web links to the most current scientific databases available, to informative websites, and to additional documents for further reading.

http://wavr.org/petition/ToObama.php

We share your commitment to the development of an infrastructure that is healthy for the population and good for the environment. We respectfully request your immediate action on this urgent issue.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Larry Press
Email:	lpress@csudh.edu
Address:	10726 Esther Avenue
	Los Angeles, CA 90064

Two quick points

1. Definition of broadband

Broadband is a moving target. Faster speeds enable qualitatively different applications -- Web pages were restricted to text and low-resolution images when dial up access was the norm. Today's typical speeds of 3Mbps up and 1Mbps and typical 100 ms latency allow for low quality video and voice over IP. We cannot see far into the future, but we will soon expect high-definition video streaming and conferencing. That will require lower latency, higher speed, symmetric service and elimination of data transfer caps.

The applications of the future will be invented in nations where the broadband of the future is available. Symmetrical 100 Mbps connectivity is available in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Stockholm. As the high-speed installed base grows, applications that use that capability will be developed. We are in danger of falling a generation behind the leaders.

2. Data transfer caps and business models

Telephone, cable and cellular data companies are imposing data transfer caps as speeds increase. These are combined with exorbitant charges for exceeding the cap in a given month. For example, AT&T mobile Internet access costs $480 per gigabyte when the cap is exceeded.

The intent of these caps is to maintain a service-oriented voice, messaging and video business model, as contrasted with the undifferentiated data model of traditional Internet service providers. The service-oriented business model results in excess profits arising from cross-service price discrimination.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tom DeReggi
Email:	tom@rapiddsl.net
Address:	21006 Clarksburg Rd
	Boyds, MD 20841

See attachment

Attachments

RapidDSL NTIA Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara C. Wedeman, President, Behavioral Economics Consulting Group
Email:	sara@behavioraleconomics.net
Address:	8327 Germantown Avenue
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

1. If grantees are required to provide some of the funds themselves, you will cut small businesses out of the running. Yet, small concerns are much harder hit than are larger ones when the economy goes south. We are not "too big to fail;" we don't get bailouts of billions of dollars (or even $1). When small businesses fail (which they do, at a very high rate), it is often due to lack of funding. If the stimulus plan ends up funneling more money to the business "haves," it will simply fuel the cynicism so many feel about the government enabling inept colossi. Moreover, it will defeat a key goal of the stimulus: to encourage innovation and the development of the industries of the future.

2. Re: the question of "underserved" and "unserved," both rural and urban areas deserve universal, high speed, low cost broadband. Neither term necessarily connotes a particular geography or social environment: they merely describe a state of access (or lack thereof). I think it would be a terrible mistake for us to adopt a "scarcity" philosophy, which pitted two equally deserving populations against one another, when airwaves and radio frequencies are limitless and fiber optic cable is cheap and fast. More people live in smaller spaces in cities, and there are greater extremes of wealth and poverty-financial and informational. It seems clear to me that all would benefit if we stopped investing in cars, roads, and oil, and started investing in information infrastructure.
3. The Census Bureau needs better funding: much better funding. The DeCennial Census, as well as the ACS (American Community Survey) should both include questions about broadband access. They would not meaningfully lengthen either survey. If we can ask in detail about telephones and indoor plumbing, we can ask about internet access, which is of supreme relevance to both the present and the future.
4. Regarding program evaluation, keep it short and simple. You do not want those who are stimulating the economy to end up spending time filling out forms instead. It is possible to conduct program evaluation efficiently, if you focus on the main points of leverage in producing desired outcomes. If you are going to measure, hire people skilled in measurement and familiar with predictive models. You will save everyone a lot of time and pain, and you will end up getting more of what you want, too.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	john@azwa.org
Address:	P.O. Box 1915
	Gilbert, AZ 85299

Comments by the Arizona Wireless Association:

The problem of “underserved” and “unserved” areas (in which no wireless broadband coverage is available) affects a broad segment of citizens. When considering the proliferation of broadband service it is important to keep the “mobile unserved population” in mind. There are numerous transportation corridors that are heavily traveled and are unserved or underserved from a broadband connectivity perspective. In our increasingly-mobile society, the service shortcomings of these transportation corridors threaten the ubiquity of broadband coverage, and obstruct the safe and efficient mobility of people, goods and services. Additionally, many of these transportation corridors connect and/or run though communities that are unserved or underserved. The users who live and work in these communities face a consistent lack of service, impeding their economic opportunity, social interaction and even personal safety. In order to provide a consistent and efficient broadband experience all communities and “connection points” in and out of these communities should be considered.

John Stevens
President
AZ Wireless Association
www.azwa.org

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Access to Justice Board Technology Committee
Email:	allisond@wsba.org
Address:	2033 6th Ave Suite 600
	Seattle, WA 98121-2567

We are writing on behalf of the Washington State Access to Justice Technology Committee, a standing Committee of the Washington State Access to Justice Board, to support Communities Connect recommendations. The committee is charged with promoting efficient inter-agency technology needs assessment, planning, collaboration and evaluation with a focus on ensuring access to justice. We strongly support greater and hopefully full deployment of broadband across the country in rural, urban and suburban areas. The justice system has many applications and central needs for broadband, and views universal broadband deployment as essential to assure and increase both the availability and quality of access to justice.

We are writing to support Communities Connect Network recommendations' for the State of Washington Comments in Response to Federal Request for Information Regarding The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives Docket Number 090309298‐9299‐01. Specifically we support the inclusion of all communities, including those that have been underserved in the past, in the reviewing and ranking applications. The inclusion of the justice system as a stakeholder in the consideration of and deployment and adoption of broadband is essential to ensuring access to justice. Since the justice system's fundamental role is to enable, activate and preserve the recognition and delivery of other basic rights and responsibilities, the deployment and adoption of broadband will in addition help secure such other basic human needs as food, shelter, safety, health care and such. The Access to Justice Technology Committee also supports a definition of underserved that includes "computer adoption, basic internet access and information technology adoption" as part of our effort to ensure broadband equity.

Thank you for your consideration. Please contact us for help in including key justice system stakeholders in future deliberations and deployment of broadband to communities.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Priscila Patel
Address:	6101 W. Plano Parkway
	Suite 200
	Plano, TX 75093

Please see attached file.

Attachments

BTOP Response.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara C. Wedeman, President, Behavioral Economics Consulting Group
Email:	sara@behavioraleconomics.net
Address:	Behavioral Economics Consulting Group, LLC
	8327 Germantown Avenue, PA
	Philadelphia, PA 19118

My comment concerns Broadband Mapping and is attached.

Attachments

Comment1-BBmapping.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gent Cav
Email:	gent@g4.net
Address:	1 Sundial Avenue
	Suite # 210
	Manchester, NH 03103

See attached.

Attachments

G4_NTIA-RUS_comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kelvin D. Smith
Email:	kelvin.smith@c3broadband.com
Address:	15111 N. Hayden Rd.
	Suite 160-305
	Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Thank you for allowing me to comment

Attachments

ACF7CAA.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kelvin D. Smith
Email:	kelvin.smith@c3broadband.com
Address:	15111 N. Hayden Rd.
	Suite 160-305
	Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Thank you for allowing me to comment

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	1745 Broadland Lane
Email:	DSSA310@aol..com
Address:	1745 Broadland Lane
	Lake Forest, IL 60045

Comments to NTIA and RUS Questions in Federal Register
On Behalf of DSSA Strategies
Don S. Samuelson, President
847-420-1732, DSSA310@aol.com

After spending three hours early this evening – April 13, 2009 – reading the comments made by D.C. law firms for the major current interests in the U.S. telecom industry, and as a former antitrust lawyer, it is clear to me that an overriding objective of the NTIA and RUS programs should be to increase the numbers of vendors and communication technologies available in markets throughout the country. In this context, it makes absolutely no sense to give preferences to applicants with current RUS loans, or to involve states in prioritizing or “vetting” applications from within the states. As a factual matter, the TOP program worked very well over a 10 year period where there were specific submissions required for applications and established criteria for evaluating submissions. The TOP program also used letters of commitment and support and sufficient program details supplied by applicants – including methods for evaluation and plans for dissemination - such that reasonable judgments could be made as to the relative merit of applications and the prospects for success in delivering the projected results.

I recommend that NTIA and RUS reviewers of comments consider the various categories in which the various comments tend to aggregate: (1) those brief comments that represent the highly personalized situations of an individual or a small number of people; (2) comments that are slightly longer but equally individualized; (3) those that represent an institutionalized bias and are the work product of “inside the beltway” law firms and lobbying interests; and (4) those comments that appear to be substantive, comprehensive and genuinely directed to the achievement of the public good. I suspect that if I were to read all of the submitted comments carefully, I would come up with somewhat different categories. My simple point is that the comments can be organized into meaningful “types” and that the process of doing that would be helpful in evaluating them.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John Porter
Law firm:	Sydney Smith and Associates
Attorney:	Sydney Smith
Email:	resourcesplus2005@yahoo.com
Address:	1507 E. 53rd
	Suite 822
	Chicago, IL 60615

Greetings,
My name is John Porter and I am the owner of www.resourcesplus.com we are a full service market research and webdesign firm. We have been in business forover 10 years and have assisted several communities
on the southside side of Chicago and the far southside suburbs with understanding,learning and embracing all the new technology.We have been challenged with understanding broadband and its many components, and have created a dedicated group of businesses, community based organizations and agecies whpo are with us in changing the paterns that create a digital divide! We fill through our training modules, our long term technology traINING tools and our dedicated community advocates we can continue to improve the understanding of broadband technology at the grassroots level and democratise the situation so that common people and regular families benifit from the current stimulus packages that are going to impact our communities very soon. We are here to manage,lead and continue to do what is right for our communities in terms of imbracing technology and specificly making broadband avaliable for less fortunate residents.
jporter - 773-309-4211
thanks

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Connected Nation
Address:	444 North Capitol Street
	Suite 224
	Washington, DC 20001

attachment

Attachments

CN Filing 2009 04 13 (2).pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	901 6th St SW #817
Email:	geoffdaily@gmail.com
Address:	901 6th St SW #817
	Washington, DC 20024

NTIA

1. The Purposes of the Grant Program

b. Should applicants be encouraged to address more than one purpose?

Absolutely. The more multi-faceted the project the better. The more stakeholders a network has ready to use it the better. This shouldn't just be about dressing up an application; these networks should be built with specific purposes in mind and plans in place to encourage utilization.

c. How should the BTOP leverage or respond to the other broadband-related portions of the Recovery Act, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants and loans program as well as the portions of the Recovery Act that address smart grids, health information technology, education, and transportation infrastructure?

The more an application is able to leverage other pots of money, both public and private, the higher its priority should be, especially if local stakeholders are on board with applying for funds together and committed to the work it'll take to incorporate their use.

g. Should the fact that different technologies can provide different service characteristics, such as speed and use of dedicated or shared links, be considered given the statute's direction that, to the extent practicable, the purposes of the statute should be promoted in a technologically neutral fashion?

It'd be irresponsible to ignore the capabilities, limitations, and evolutionary potential of the broadband technologies these public dollars invest in. Every technology has advantages and disadvantages, and some technologies have more certain futures than others. We can't afford to waste public dollars on dead-end technologies.

We also can't afford to focus only on getting as many people connected for as little money as possible. Just getting them online is one thing, but we must also work on answering the question of how to get them sufficient bandwidth to participate and compete fully in the 21st century digital economy. Because of this we shouldn't be investing in technologies that do not have clear paths to being able to support speeds of 100Mbps to 1Gbps and beyond of symmetrical connectivity.

In some ways it makes more sense to be technology specific so as to ensure we're not investing in lagging edge equipment, but if we must be technology neutral then we must be vigilant in avoiding lowering our goals for the public good just to accommodate the limitations of lesser technologies.

---

7. Grants for Innovative Programs to Encourage Sustainable Adoption of Broadband Service:

b. What measures should be used to determine whether such innovative programs have succeeded in creating sustainable adoption of broadband services?

We have to start collecting hard data about the utilization of broadband. We need to know how people are using broadband today so that we can use it as a baseline for comparison against how we're using it tomorrow in order to identify which programs were most effective. This will require a large amount of surveying on a regular basis.

---

13. Definitions

b. How should the BTOP define "broadband service?"

(1) Yes BTOP should establish minimum speeds. NTIA and RUS should acknowledge the emerging trend of logarithmic growth in bandwidth capacity/demand. Start by not even considering anything less than 1Mbps as being broadband. Then use 10Mbps as a marker for whether or not a community is underserved. And then set the goals for fully served communities as those on the path to 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and beyond.

Put another way:

- If you don't have 1Mbps symmetrical, you're not served.

- If you don't have multiple 10Mbps providers, you're underserved.

(2) There should be different speed thresholds for wireless vs. wireline networks. Wireless bandwidth will always lag behind wireline, plus there are different expectations for ubiquity and reliability for wireless vs. wireline. So each category should be addressed separately. But within each category each technology should have to live up to the same standards to qualify for funding.

(3) It's important to not just look at promised speeds, but also consider the actual speeds that are realized. Just because a network operator says they can offer 1Mbps, 10Mbps, or 100Mbps service doesn't mean they can deliver it. And we want to make sure the networks we subsidize can support as much simultaneous usage as possible so that they can be relied on to deliver solid connectivity even during periods of high usage.

(4) The Internet is a two-way medium. Broadband should be a two-way transportation mechanism. By embracing the fact that the future of networked experiences will rely on interactivity and hyperconnectedness, we shouldn't accept anything less than broadband definitions that are symmetrical.

---

RUS

3. How should RUS evaluate whether a particular level of broadband access and service is needed to facilitate economic development?

(b) For any buildings or businesses where more than 10 people are using the same connection a minimum of 100Mbps is needed to sustain 21st century economic development. Home-based businesses need a minimum of 10Mbps to fully utilize all of the applications available today. And both of these numbers will continue to rise logarithmically over time, moving bigger buildings up to 1Gbps and homes to 100Mbps. And these speeds will be needed within the next 5-10 years.

Also in order for communities to attract businesses they need more than just DSL and T1s. The communities that are attracting new businesses because of their connectivity are those that have ubiquitous affordable fiber available.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tracy Finney
Email:	jackbetty@embarqmail.com
Address:	5866 St George Ave
	Crozet, VA 22932

Launching universal wireless broadband into our environment would be extremely detrimental to the health of the public, especially the children since they would receive long term exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation. Thus resulting in an increase of health problems as they age. I know several people now who are effected by/suffer from electromagnetic radiation exposure (ie: cell phones/cell towers, etc)and these people know several people and those people know several people, who also know several people, etc., who are all suffering from exposure from electromagnetic radiation. To see these people suffer is so inhumane and totally brutal. For those who are not suffering from EMR, yet, cannot relate to the magnitude of pain and suffering these people face everyday of their lives. Our medical system is not educated to detect and diagnose the side effects from EMR exposure. The side effects can mimic other illnesses and one would not know that the health problem is actually caused from EMR exposure, so the symptom(s) are treated with medication(s). The problem only continues as long as the exposure to EMR continues. In conclusion, no, I do not want to see universal wireless broadband launched. IT WILL destroy and deteriorate the health of our children and the people of our nation in the short term and in the long term. Thank you for this opportunity to express myself in this area, for I have a great concern for the health of the people of our nation and for those who currently are horribly suffering from the effects of EMR exposure.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brian Mefford
Email:	caddington@connectednation.org
Address:	1020 College Street
	Bowling Green, KY 42101

Comments of Brian Mefford, Chairmain & CEO of Connected Nation

Attachments

CN Filing_2009 04 13.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Olemara Peters
Address:	PO Box 11162
	Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Please DO NOT spend my tax dollars on expanding wireless broadband, making everyplace yet-more unliveable for me and others.

Please invest in fiber optic networks instead, which will not increase electropollution.

The wireless-telecomm industry is increasing pollution without emissions-sources being publicly identified -- in fact -- by specifically disguising /concealing them -- industry calls it "Stealth Technology." This is contrary to people's right to know.

R&D of new technology needs to be required to include biocompatibility (for humans + biosphere) in its basic criteria. That can only happen when the public has accurate information. Industry always cites "Market research," and denies that public buying is influenced by advertising. This breaks the circle of informed public feedback that industry needs in order to design appropriate technologies.

Please base your decisions on the info compiled at www.bioinitiative.org.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dave Burstein
Email:	daveb@dslprime.com
Address:	420 West 119th #51
	New York, NY 10027

Error in time stamp

I just confirmed with the official U.S. time that it it before midnight on the 13th.

BTOP

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Submit Public Comments

Your comments and attachments (if applicable) have been submitted on 14-Apr-09 at 12:58 AM:

Name of Commenter: Dave Burstein
Organization: DSL Prime
Docket Number: 090309298-9299-01
Mail Correspondence To: Dave Burstein
Law Firm Name:
Attorney Name:
Tribal Affiliation:
Email: daveb@dslprime.com
Mailing Address: 420 West 119th #51
Mailing Address 2:
City: New York
State: NY
Zip Code: 10027

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joe T. Wood
Email:	woodjt@caywood.org
Address:	Lexington City Schools
	70 Dixon St.
	Lexington, TN 38351

It is important that all citizens have equal access to technology and the benefits it can bring to citizens and communities. It is vital technology access is provided to low-income and at-risk population, espcially to at-risk school students and their familites. We must work to bridge the "technology gap" for these students.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Richard J. Warren, COO
Email:	rich@hocking.net
Address:	19483 Harble Road
	Logan, OH 43138-9772

With rare exception, the Broadband Grants should be given to small businesses that are located in the areas to be served by the infrastructure being built. This approach will take advantage of local and direct knowledge of the needs of the people and communities served while strengthening the small business that serves them.
Any major distribution of funds to large Telecommunications companies that have Billions of dollars in the bank would only put further economic stress on the small providers that serve rural America. It is the people of rural America that wish to build rural America. Public funding big Telco’s (including satellite and cell phone providers) should generally be considered illegal and contrary to the public good.
However, I recognize that, as a second tier of funding, the large Telcos will receive money through the rural ISP’s to provide fiber-based services. Control of those networks needs to remain local to enhance the local economies. The easiest way and the most efficient way to do this is to give ownership and control to the local providers.
A major purpose of the Broadband program is to create jobs. So let the rural job seekers and small business do the building.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Connected Tennessee
Address:	618 Church Street
	Suite 305
	Nashville, TN 37219

attachment

Attachments

CTN NTIA Response_Final (3).pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tom Fritz
Email:	tfritz@connectohio.org
Address:	232 North Third Street
	Suite 201
	Columbus, OH 43215

Please find comments in Docket Number 090309298-9299-01 attached.
Sincerely,
Tom Fritz
Executive Director
Connect Ohio

Attachments

Connect Ohio Filing in NTIA Docket Number 090309298-9299-01.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Peter J. Pratt, PrattNetworks LLC
Email:	pjpratt@prattnetworks.com
Address:	759 CJC Highway
	Suite 334
	Cohasset, MA 02025

We have conducted a survey of state broadband programs, and the current programmatic capacity of states without such programs, for our reporting service on the "broadband stimulus" provisions of ARRA. We conclude that fewer than 20 states have such programs in place and operating today. Therefore, we recommend that as NTIA and RUS carry forward with the congressional mandate to consult with the states: 1. There is a federal purpose to be served in assisting the states with capacity building in the areas of broadband mapping, grant application evaluation criteria, demand aggregation practices, and program models. 2. Governors should be communicated with by NTIA - RUS quickly, during the 60-day drafting process for the NOFA, to determine which states desire to have 'single points of contact' with federal agencies for broadband stimulus monies. 3. Those states which so elect to have centralized contacts, and those which do not should be disclosed so that grant and loan applicants understand how to coordinate their efforts with state designated agencies.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dave Burstein
Email:	daveb@dslprime.com
Address:	420 West 119th #51
	New York, NY 10027

l be wasted. To my horror, I agree. The U.S. Broadband Stimulus is almost guaranteed to fail to reach most of the unserved, unless the program is dramatically changed. 9 out of 10 who expect to get grants will be disappointed. I wish it weren't so, but the evidence is accumulating fast.
Which is why I urge going to the data and confirming the plans are supported by facts.

a. Should a certain percentage of grant funds be apportioned to
each category?

a. How should the grant program consider State priorities in
awarding grants?

The state recommendations should be looked at closely and followed if they correspond to the goals of the program. They should be ignored if they appear uninformed or patronage-ridden. Some will be great, others corrupt.
In particular, the program should not assume the states are always right, and look for evidence.

b. What is the appropriate role for States in selecting projects
for funding?

Purely to recommend, unless and until the particular state demonstrates they understand and respect the goals of the program and are not unduly influenced. In particular, states with an inappropriate role of interested parties, such as the AT&T and Verizon nominees in California, should play only a limited role.

d. How should NTIA ensure that projects proposed by States are
well-executed and produce worthwhile and measurable results?

By taking the time to get the facts, and not being lazy about it.

NTIA to determine by rule whether it is in the public interest that
entities other than those listed in Section 6001(e)(1)(A) and (B)
should be eligible for grant awards. What standard should NTIA apply to
determine whether it is in the public interest that entities other than
those described in Section 6001(e)(1)(A) and (B) should be eligible for
grant awards?

On the evidence. In particular, organizations/business that do not have a history of reaching the unserved with broadband should be treated with skepticism.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

\6\ Section 6001(h) states that NTIA, in awarding grants, shall,
to the extent practical--
(2) Consider whether an application to deploy infrastructure in
an area--
a. Will, if approved, increase the affordability of, and
subscribership to, service to the greatest population of users in
the area;

At minimum, the NTIA should expect that U.S. prices, speeds, and services are “comparable” to international norms. The Hawaiian proposal is a good start.

"(1) Access to broadband communications to all households, businesses, and organizations throughout the State by 2012 at speeds and prices comparable to the average speeds and prices available in the top three performing countries in the world." We can’t all be above average, but every developed country should be comparable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

How can NTIA determine that a Federal
funding need exists and that private investment is not displaced? How
should the long-term feasibility of the investment be judged?

By actually reviewing the economics and plans of the companies involved, giving strong weight to what comparable companies have proven practical around the world.

f. What factors should be given priority in determining whether
proposals will encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service?

Whether the data is solid or comes out of the rear end of a male cow.

h. What role, if any, should retail price play in the grant
program?

Massive. High prices are the key barrier in most countries to those who want service.

7. Grants for Innovative Programs to Encourage Sustainable Adoption
of Broadband Service: The Recovery Act directs that not less than
$250,000,000 of the BTOP shall be awarded for grants for innovative
programs to encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services.
a. What selection criteria should be applied to ensure the success
of this program?

Whether or not there is good reason to believe it will work.

b. What measures should be used to determine whether such
innovative programs have succeeded in creating sustainable adoption of
broadband services?

Verifiable facts.
----------------------------------------------------------

a. What factors should an applicant show to establish the
``financial need'' necessary to receive more than 80 percent of a
project's cost in grant funds?

Complete and open data about the costs and economics, available for public review.

c. What showing should be necessary to demonstrate that the
proposal would not have been implemented without Federal assistance?

What comparable companies are doing.
---------------------------------------

a. How should NTIA define wasteful or fraudulent spending for
purposes of the grant program?
With severity

c. If such spending is detected, what actions should NTIA take to
ensure effective use of investments made and remaining funding?

Refer to Justice if appropriate.

(2) Should the network interconnection obligation be based on
existing statutory schemes? If not, what should the interconnection
obligation be?

Sufficient to make it work effectively.

(5) In the case of infrastructure paid for in whole or part by
grant funds, should the obligations extend beyond the life of the grant
and attach for the useable life of the infrastructure?

Yes

e. What role, if any, should retail price play in these
definitions?

Massive, if we care about poor people.

14. Measuring the Success of the BTOP: The Recovery Act permits
NTIA to establish additional reporting and information requirements for
any recipient of grant program funds.
a. What measurements can be used to determine whether an individual
proposal has successfully complied with the statutory obligations and
project timelines?

Full and detailed results for public inspection.

b. Should applicants be required to report on a set of common data
elements so that the relative success of individual proposals may be
measured? If so, what should those elements be?

Yes. Number of unserved reached and take rate, actual costs, number of jobs directly created by company and contractors.

15. Please provide comment on any other issues that NTIA should
consider in creating BTOP within the confines of the statutory
structure established by the Recovery Act.

RUS

2. In what ways can RUS and NTIA best align their Recovery Act
broadband activities to make the most efficient and effective use of
the Recovery Act broadband funds?

Start with the facts and open all records of RUS to public

(a) RUS is charged with ensuring that 75 percent of the area is
rural and without sufficient access needed for economic development.
How should this definition be reconciled with the NTIA definitions of
``unserved'' and ``underserved?''

Starting with verifiable data.

3. How should RUS evaluate whether a particular level of broadband
access and service is needed to facilitate economic development?
Seventy-five percent of an area to be funded under the Recovery Act
must be in an area that USDA determines lacks sufficient ``high speed
broadband service to facilitate rural economic development.'' RUS is
seeking suggestions as to the factors it should use to make such
determinations.

Starting with objective and verifiable data.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rene True
Email:	rtrue@connectky.org
Address:	311 West Main Street
	Frankfort, KY 40601

Please find comments in Docket Number 090309298-9299-01 attached.
Sincerely,
Rene True
Executive Director
ConnectKentucky

Attachments

CK Filing_2009 04 13.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Name of Commenter
Email:	missy2mtn@indylink.org
Address:	944 Compass Creek Dr.
	Hayesville, NC 28904

I could leave a lengthy feedback but just noticed this form and have only 10 minutes to get this submitted & the stop spam 2 words are very hard to figure out, but we need BROADBAND TERRIBLY, we've lived here for 14 years now and it's certainly time to have this available to us. Sorry but I have to see if this will go through.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kathy Johnson, Director
Email:	kathy.johnson@governor.alabama.gov
Address:	Alabama State Capitol
	600 Dexter Avenue
	Montgomery, AL 36130

Attached

Attachments

State of Alabama NTIA RUS Comments 4-13-09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Matthew R. Rantanen
Law firm:	Matthew Rantanen
Attorney:	Matthew Rantanen
Email:	mrantanen@sctdv.net
Address:	P.O. Box 1470
	Valley Center, CA 92082

A correction to the comments filed at 7:06pm EST.
There is a typo that completely changes the meaning of my point, and I would like to have a chance to correct it.

As Director of Technology for the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association, and it's members, ALL the tribes in San Diego County, Cahuilla and Chemehuevi, it is my duty to present you with (3) points to support your efforts in deploying Broadband funding to the masses to connect more Americans to access.

(1) The Tribal Reservations in the United States of American are "unserved" and "underserved" by definition, and should not have qualify for, or have to prove their status. They are Native American Tribal Reservations, and they are "unserved" and "underserved."

(2) In Regards to # 1, there should be a separate application, or a box to check that allows tribal to avoid the unnecessary steps to prove your rurality and underserved nature, based on non-reservation statistics.
***(there is a correction in point (3) changing the word "can" to cannot" in the first sentence)***
(3) The current FCC broadband definition is inappropriate, and anyone that cannot perform at 1Mbs up/down should not qualify, but broadband should not be defined as this. Incumbents that don't want to expend resources for improvement and advancement will not advance as fast if you set a benchmark that they already have received. There needs to be a sliding scale with 1Mbs as floor.

Respectfully,

Matthew R. Rantanen

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Laura Mayhook
Law firm:	Mayhook Law, PLLC
Attorney:	Laura Mayhook
Email:	laura@mayhooklaw.com
Address:	34808 NE 14th Avenue
	La Center, WA 98629

Attached please find the comments of Stephouse Networks. Please note that this filing is being made at 8:42 pm PDT on April 13, 2009.

Attachments

Stephouse NTIA-RUS 4-13-09.PDF

Comments for submission in NTIA/RUS Docket,No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Dear Sir or Madame,

On behalf of G4 COMMUNICATIONS, CORP., attached are G4's comments for submission in NTIA/RUS Docket
No. 090309298-9299-01.  Please contact me if you have any questions concerning this filing.

Sincerely yours,

--

Gent Cav
G4 Communications / Otel Telekom
(603) 703-0410 direct voice (email reaches me faster and preferred)
(603) 703-0670 direct fax
(603) 625-0555 company voice
(603) 647-7576 company fax

Attachments

G4_NTIA-RUS_comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cinnamon Mueller
Law firm:	Cinnamon Mueller
Attorney:	Jeremy M. Kissel
Email:	jkissel@cm-chi.com
Address:	307 N. Michigan Ave.
	Suite 1020
	Chicago, IL 60601

Attached please find the comments of the American Cable Association relating to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009's Broadband Initiatives (Docket No. 090309298-9299-01). Please feel free to contact the undersigned should you have any questions.

Regards,

Jeremy M. Kissel
Cinnamon Mueller
2156 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202.609.7793 (direct)
202.747.5870 (fax)
jkissel@cm-chi.com

Attachments

ACA NTIA_ RUS Comments 041309 FINAL.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cynthia Pols
Email:	polscm@aol.com
Address:	PO Box 12276
	Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Attached are the comments and a summary of the comments of the Triangle J COG Council of Governments Cable Broadband Consortium

Attachments

ACF7C4A.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gerald Knoblach
Email:	knoblach@spacedata.net
Address:	460 South Benson Lane #12
	Chandler, AZ 85224

See attached.

Attachments

NTIA RUS filing.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	PO Box 224 Enka, NC 28728
Email:	lilithwolinsky@hotmail.com
Address:	PO Box 224
	Enka, NC 28728

As a concerned citizen, I urge you to deny Economic Stimulus Funds to the Mountain Area Information Network (MAIN) in Asheville, NC. I wish I could urge you otherwise because I believe in the mission of this organization, however, under the stewardship of it's founder and current Executive Director, Wally Bowen, MAIN has failed to live up to the Mission it has prescribed for itself and does not have the business model, business practices, or a healthy Board of Directors to insure that stimulus funds would be used to constructively benefit the Western North Carolina community. To the contrary, Mr. Bowen's practices have left an enormous and ever-widening trail of mistrust, and ill will, and many of the people whose skills he would need to successfully manage stimulus funds in this small mountain community are no longer willing to work with him due to his widely acknowledged lack of professional conduct. This organization has not shown itself capable of managing public trust or resources, and given its history, should not be rewarded with stimulus funds.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Paul Van Hoesen
Email:	paul@ctechnology.org
Address:	P.O.Box 1606
	Nashville, TN 37024-1606

cTechnology would like to commend to the NTIA its support for Connected Tennessee's Computer 4 Kids Program.
We have shared with Connected Tennessee our own west Tennessee pilot survey for both broadband and computer ownership and we have found 27% of K-12 children in our pilot school district did not have a computer at home.

In an age where most middle class families have two or more computers in their home, the lack of access to a computer at home for a budding student is a significant hindrance to their education. This is particularly true in inner city communities where broadband may be available but computer ownership and broadband adoption is lagging.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

Together with Connected Tennessee, we have been jointly seeking solutions to drive broadband adoption in Tennessee. There is nothing more fundamental to broadband adoption than computer ownership.

The Computer 4 KidsSM (C4K) program is a worthy and necessary adjunct to drive broadband adoption and enable Tennessee young people to realize the power of the online world. We hope this and other similar computer ownership programs will receive due consideration
as you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act.

Respectfully,

Paul Van Hoesen
Director
cTechnology, Inc.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chris Cooper
Email:	ccooper@intelliwave.com
Address:	145 Columbus Rd
	Athens, OH 45701

attachment included

Attachments

Comments of Intelliwave LLC.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Robert G. Allen
Law firm:	DLA Piper LLP (US)
Email:	bob.allen@dlapiper.com
Address:	500 8th Street, N.W.
	Washington, DC 20004

Comments In Response to Request for Information

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jennie B. Chandra
Email:	jennie.b.chandra@windstream.com
Address:	1101 17th Street, NW, Suite 802
	Washington, DC 20036

Please see attached comments.

Attachments

WIN NTIA RUS Comments 090413.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Nicholas Holland
Email:	nholland@centresource.com
Address:	1313 4th Ave N.
	Nashville, TN 37208

West Tennessee needs The Broadband Data Improvement Act to stimulate economic growth through the online economy.

We hope you grant funding of the 21st Century Online Jobs Creation Program as proposed by cTechnology, Inc. of Nashville, TN through the proposed NTIA Sustainable Broadband Adoption Grant mechanism.

cTechnology’s program holds strong promise to foster sustainable broadband adoption and also radically change the hopes for economic success in the region by creating online jobs for the region's young people. The region is experiencing a high loss rate of its young people to urban communities and lack of economic opportunity is the primary cause.

Combining broadband availability with a direct link to online economic opportunity hold a strong potential for radically changing our region for the good. cTechnology has already proven to be an innovative and committed partner for west Tennessee and has the strong support of many regional and state leaders.

We ask that this program be given strong funding consideration for the future of our rural Tennessee communities.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Holland

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dana Nehama
Attorney:	Dana Nehama
Email:	Dana.Nehama@alvarion.com
Address:	2495 Leghorn Street
	Mountain View, CA 94043

See attached.

Attachments

Alvarion RFI Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Andy Tabar
Address:	9 Music Square South #195
	Nashville, TN 37203

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Nurturing and retaining high skill level talent is essential for this region's young people to acquire jobs and create sustainable and widespread value in today's economy. In this regard we would like to recommend the funding of the 21st Century Online Jobs Creation Program as proposed by cTechnology, Inc. of Nashville, TN through the proposed NTIA Sustainable Broadband Adoption Grant mechanism.
cTechnology's program is compatible with work opportunities that exist today, and the technologies that create regional economic growth. Geographic barriers in hiring are being removed as a result of technology; creating new opportunities not only for hot areas like Silicon Valley, Austin, TX, and India, but also our rural communities. I have personally witnessed the interest level of this program in Halls, TN and was convinced. CTechnology's model creates employment opportunities that are relevant to the interests, abilities, and needs of both employers and young people of the 21st Century.

Combining broadband availability with a direct link to online economic opportunity hold a strong potential for radically changing our region for the good. cTechnology has already proven to be an innovative and committed partner for west Tennessee and has the strong support of many regional and state leaders.

We ask that this program be given strong funding consideration for the future of our rural Tennessee communities.

Sincerely,
Andy Tabar, President
Bizooki.com

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Barry Summers
Address:	75 Haywood St.
	Asheville, NC 28801

I fully support using federal stimulus money for rural communities to get access to broadband internet. However, there is one entity vying for these funds that I have extreme misgivings about: The Mountain Area Information Network, based in Asheville, North Carolina. MAIN, a non-profit ISP, has a history that includes poor accountability to the community, spotty customer service, dysfunctional and erratic decision-making by it's Executive Director, and poor oversight by it's Board of Directors.

MAIN's media and lobbying activities are tangential to the stimulus money being considered, but as a former longtime volunteer leader at MAIN's low-power radio station, WPVM, it's been my experience that MAIN's ED does not have a strong record of honesty or accountability. I would be very skeptical about any statements from MAIN that appear to guarantee a level of preparedness to accomplish the technical and logistical tasks relative to the rural broadband initiative. I would urge the parties responsible for granting these funds to look closely at MAIN's finances and technical expertise.

As I said, I fully support the goal of giving everyone access to the internet. I simply don't have faith in MAIN or it's Executive Director to accomplish this or to serve the community with accountability and transparency. If there are other entities capable of delivering broadband access to WNC, I would rather see the funds go to them.

Barry Summers
Asheville, NC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Don S. Samuelson
Email:	DSSA310@aol.com
Address:	1745 Broadland Lane
	Lake Forest, IL 60045

The criteria used by RUS in making evluations of stimulus support applications ought to be based on the twin stimulus objectives of: (1) the creation of jobs and businesses; and (2)the preparation of rural economies to compete successfully in serving global markets.
In addition, there should be explicit recognition that the costs to the government of "loan guarantees" are substantially less than "grants."

Attachments

April 13 - RUS Responses by DSSA.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Christopher M. Swanson
Email:	cswanson@tcsth.com
Address:	719 3rd Ave
	Two Harbors, MN 55616

Dear BTOP
I urge you to consider the following:
1. establish the definition of “unserved area,” as (everyone without 5 megabit symmetric service)
2. the definition of “underserved area,” (everyone without 20 megabit symmetric service)
3. the definition of “broadband, (5 megabit symmetric service)
4. the non-discrimination obligations that will be contractual conditions of BTOP (broadband technologies opportunity program) grants (wholesale access to anyone)
5. the network interconnection obligations that will be contractual conditions of BTOP
grants. (it is important that the interconnections be made available at fair and reasonable rates for providers who want to provide service in rural areas and need access to interconnects)
Here are additional critical things that should be looked at:
1. Please make immediate loan guarantees available immediately. We can turn 7.2 Billion into 72 Billion in buying power.
2. Shortening approval process to 60 days for RUS and NTIA.
3. Northern States should receive funding first because of winter elements that preclude us from developing networks after the first part of November.
4. Allowing municipalities to meet the 20% equity requirements with debt on par with the RUS/NTIA
5. Open Access which requires competitive pricing creates better networks for consumers and competitive pricing.

I urge you to consider the above ideas. I believe it is critical that we upgrade the rural communication infrastructure because rural America always is the last to get the quality communication infrastructure because companies cannot justify the “ROI” Please consider fiber as the technology that best serves our rural areas for the next 30-50 years. Please spend the money wisely by choosing the best technology available.

Sincerely,
Christopher Swanson
719 3rd Ave
Two Harbors, MN 55616

Attachments

RUS-NTIA Comments.doc

FW: Docket No. 090309298-9229-01 - ARRA Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

Kathy tried to send this twice and it would not go through.  Trying from
my email address too.

 

Carla A. Anderson |SVP/COO | e-Copernicus | 317 Massachusetts Ave. NE:
Suite 200 | Washington, DC 20002 |  Office: 202.292.4603 | Mobile:
202.498.6936 | Fax:  701.794.3356

 

From: Johnson, Kathy [mailto:Kathy.Johnson@governor.alabama.gov] 
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 11:55 PM
To: BTOP@ntia.doc.gov
Cc: Anderson, Carla; Johnson, Kathy
Subject: Docket No. 090309298-9229-01 - ARRA Broadband Initiatives
Importance: High

 

The State of Alabama submits the attached comments pursuant to the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 broadband grant and loan
programs, Docket No. 090309298-9229-01.

 

The ConnectingALABAMA team believes the advancement of (a) broadband
deployment on the supply-side and (b) broadband-based applications on
the demand-side are vital enablers to the economic opportunity and
quality of life for all Americans.  As such, we stand in strong support
of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) advanced by the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  

 

Thank you in advance for considering the State of Alabama's comments. 

 

Kathy Johnson, Director
Alabama Broadband Initiative & ConnectingALABAMA
Office of Governor Bob Riley
Alabama State Capitol
600 Dexter Avenue, EB-09
Montgomery, AL  36130
P:  334.353.8760
F:  334.353.1190
E:  kathy.johnson@governor.alabama.gov
 
W:  www.connectingalabama.gov  

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.238 / Virus Database: 270.11.51/2052 - Release Date:
04/13/09 17:56:00

Attachments

State of Alabama NTIA RUS Comments 4-13-09.pdf

Docket No. 090309298-9229-01 - ARRA Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-14T14:26:00Z

The State of Alabama submits the attached comments pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 broadband grant and loan programs, Docket No. 090309298-9229-01.

 

The ConnectingALABAMA team believes the advancement of (a) broadband deployment on the supply-side and (b) broadband-based applications on the demand-side are vital enablers to the economic opportunity and quality of life for all Americans.  As such, we stand in strong support of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) advanced by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  

 

Thank you in advance for considering the State of Alabama's comments. 

 

Kathy Johnson, Director
Alabama Broadband Initiative & ConnectingALABAMA
Office of Governor Bob Riley
Alabama State Capitol
600 Dexter Avenue, EB-09
Montgomery, AL  36130
P:  334.353.8760
F:  334.353.1190
E:  kathy.johnson@governor.alabama.gov  
W:  www.connectingalabama.gov

Attachments

State of Alabama NTIA RUS Comments 4-13-09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeffrey Mayhook
Law firm:	Mayhook Law, PLLC
Attorney:	Jeffrey Mayhook
Email:	jeffrey@mayhooklaw.com
Address:	34808 NE 14th Avenue
	La Center, WA 98629

Attached please find the comments of Pend Oreille County Public Utility District #1

Attachments

Pend Oreille NTIA-RUS 4-13-09.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Attorney:	John K. Hane
Email:	john.hane@pillsburylaw.com
Address:	2300 N Street NW
	Washington, DC 20037

Attached, in both Word (.doc) and Adobe (.pdf) formats, are the comments of the MSS & ATC Coalition in response to the joint NTIA and RUS request for information.

Attachments

Docket No. 090309298-9229-01 - ARRA Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

The State of Alabama submits the attached comments pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 broadband grant and loan programs, Docket No. 090309298-9229-01.

 

The ConnectingALABAMA team believes the advancement of (a) broadband deployment on the supply-side and (b) broadband-based applications on the demand-side are vital enablers to the economic opportunity and quality of life for all Americans.  As such, we stand in strong support of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) advanced by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  

 

Thank you in advance for considering the State of Alabama's comments. 

 

Kathy Johnson, Director
Alabama Broadband Initiative & ConnectingALABAMA
Office of Governor Bob Riley
Alabama State Capitol
600 Dexter Avenue, EB-09
Montgomery, AL  36130
P:  334.353.8760
F:  334.353.1190
E:  kathy.johnson@governor.alabama.gov  
W:  www.connectingalabama.gov

Attachments

State of Alabama NTIA RUS Comments 4-13-09.pdf

Response to BTOP

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Hello,

Thank you for asking for feedback from the public.

BTOP should be linked to include smart grid applications as well.
Rural and unserved areas can benefit from both internet connectivity
and greater renewable energy penetration.

The BTOP should consider how "smart microgrids" can serve as a
catalyst to greater internet connectivity. A "smart microgrid" is a
mini-grid in which various distributed energy technologies (eg solar,
wind, biomass, plug-in electric cars, etc) and smart meters are
combined with our intelligent software to both monitor and manage
energy supply and demand for a community (e.g. set of buildings,
corporate campus, university campus, housing township, etc). The smart
microgrid makes intelligent decisions about what clean energy source
to run on and optimizes for cost reductions, energy savings and CO2
emission reductions.

A microgrid solution can look at ways to connect each community to the
others and share access to the net. So, instead of a central cable
operator laying cables from their hub to each community (a star
configuration), instead one can connect communities together and have
one central feed from the operator to the nearest community (a ring
configuration). With smart meters, one can monitor the usage of each
house in each community and allocate loads as required. The internet
is, after all, a transfer of energy in the form of data.

Valence Energy offers solutions in this area.

It is worth exploring how smart green energy (which is IT applied to
energy) and smart internet services can be packaged together.

Alexis

Alexis Ringwald
Valence Energy
alexis.ringwald@valenceenergy.com
Mobile: +1 203 668 1995

Docket No. 090309298-9299-01 comment filing

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Dear sir or madam:



Out of abundance of caution, I'm emailing the attached comments on behalf of
Pend Oreille County Public Utility District #1, which, per the attached
receipt in the lower right corner, we filed electronically online earlier
this evening at 7:58 p.m. (PDT), which would have been 10:58 p.m. (EDT).
Unfortunately, however, your filing system logged us as having submitted
precisely at 12:00 a.m. on April 14, 2009.  So, to avoid any
misunderstanding regarding this apparent inconsistency, we're re-submitting
the our comment filing ahead of what we understand to be the East Coast
midnight deadline.  If you have any questions about this matter, or there's
a problem we should know about, please contact us right away.  Or, if
there's no problem with your accepting our earlier online submittal, please
disregard this follow-up transmittal



THX and best regards,



Jeffrey Mayhook

MAYHOOK LAW, PLLC

34808 NE 14th Avenue

La Center, WA  98629

(360) 263-4340 office

(360) 263-4343 fax

(360) 609-3769 mobile

  jeffrey@mayhooklaw.com

  www.mayhooklaw.com



DO NOT read, copy or disseminate this communication unless you are the
intended addressee.  This e-mail communication contains confidential and/or
privileged information intended only for the addressee.  If you have
received this communication in error, please call us (collect) immediately
at (360) 263-4340 and ask to speak to the sender.  Also, please e-mail the
sender and notify the sender immediately if you have received the
communication in error.

To comply with recent IRS rules, we must inform you that this message, if it
contains advice relating to federal taxes, was not intended or written to be
used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may
be imposed under federal tax law.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kevin Manovich
Email:	k.manovich@nwt-enterprises.com
Address:	71 Greene Street
	Cumberland, MD 21502

Attached is NWT Enterprises, Inc. comment on the BTOP RFI

Attachments

Broadband Diversity Supporters Comments

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Attached hereto are the comments of the Broadband Diversity Supporters.
Please confirm receipt.
 
Deborah J. Salons, Esq.
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
1500 K Street,  NW
Washington, D.C. 20005-1209
(202) 354-1340 (direct)
(202) 842-8465 (fax)
deborah.salons@dbr.com
 

**********************************
Disclaimer Required by IRS Rules of Practice:
Any discussion of tax matters contained herein is not intended or written to be 
used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be 
imposed under Federal tax laws.
**********************************
This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. 
Unless you are the intended addressee (or authorized to receive for the intended 
addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any 
information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, 
please advise the sender at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP by reply e-mail and 
delete the message.
Thank you very much.
***********************************

Broadband Diversity Supporters Comments

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Attached hereto are the comments of the Broadband Diversity Supporters.
Please confirm receipt.
 
Deborah J. Salons, Esq.
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
1500 K Street,  NW
Washington, D.C. 20005-1209
(202) 354-1340 (direct)
(202) 842-8465 (fax)
deborah.salons@dbr.com
 

**********************************
Disclaimer Required by IRS Rules of Practice:
Any discussion of tax matters contained herein is not intended or written to be 
used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be 
imposed under Federal tax laws.
**********************************
This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. 
Unless you are the intended addressee (or authorized to receive for the intended 
addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose to anyone the message or any 
information contained in the message. If you have received the message in error, 
please advise the sender at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP by reply e-mail and 
delete the message.
Thank you very much.
***********************************

Attachments

BDSCommments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Barbara Bailey
Email:	bjbaileylpa@yahoo.com
Address:	209 Dana Road
	Burnsville, NC 28740

First priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and cooperatives. There are many reasons for this, mainly to provide jobs as well as allow people to work from their rural locations and still be able to communicate with the wider, more distant urban contacts. For example, some Jobs that can be done in the country, but need the internet and broadband capacity are as diverse as a graphic designer, a videographer, and a psychologist. But the real point I want to make concerns an experiment recently reported in Scientific American MInd. A group of psychologists recruited participants to share ideas and solve problems in an Internet-based world. Several "worlds" were created- local, global and "small worlds." When the problems were easy, the global networks did the best. But as the problems became trickier, the small-world networks tended to perform better. And as the problems became even more complex, the "small local networks proved most clever."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Attorney:	John K. Hane
Email:	john.hane@pillsburylaw.com
Address:	2300 N Street NW
	Washington, DC 20037

Attached, in both Word (.doc) and Adobe (.pdf) formats, are the comments of SkyTerra Communications, Inc. in response to the joint NTIA and RUS request for information.

Attachments

Docket No. 090309298-9229-01 - ARRA Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

The State of Alabama submits the attached comments pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 broadband grant and loan programs, Docket No. 090309298-9229-01.

 

The ConnectingALABAMA team believes the advancement of (a) broadband deployment on the supply-side and (b) broadband-based applications on the demand-side are vital enablers to the economic opportunity and quality of life for all Americans.  As such, we stand in strong support of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) advanced by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  

 

Thank you in advance for considering the State of Alabama's comments. 

 

Kathy Johnson, Director
Alabama Broadband Initiative & ConnectingALABAMA
Office of Governor Bob Riley
Alabama State Capitol
600 Dexter Avenue, EB-09
Montgomery, AL  36130
P:  334.353.8760
F:  334.353.1190
E:  kathy.johnson@governor.alabama.gov  
W:  www.connectingalabama.gov

Attachments

State of Alabama NTIA RUS Comments 4-13-09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mark Ritzenthaler
Email:	ritzmarkritz@yahoo.com
Address:	PO Box 1581
	Asheville, NC 28802-1581

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the corrupt nature of the founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Mountain Area Information Network (MAIN) and the complicit Board of Trustees. These folks have publicly lied and more.

Several persons associated with this organization can attest to poor management, negligence, and betrayal of public trust. Some of them may comment to you directly about this. I would encourage you to collate the “negative” public comments, conduct your own research, and judiciously withhold all broadband stimulus funding from MAIN.

Under different leadership, governance, and with sufficient accountability, MAIN would be awesome! Sadly, in these peoples’ hands it fails its granters, people, and mission.

A non-profit is extra accountable due to the extended trust of donors, public goodwill, and the resources that can be exploited, Any non-profit should have a stellar track record in order to receive this money. There are many folks who tried in good faith to advance this organization but have been mistreated and lied to. These folks have become detractors of the MAIN Executive Director and Board. Over 70 persons have signed a “statement of no confidence.” A copy is available at the end of this document. As of March 4, 2009, MAIN has lost 19 volunteers and 37.5 hours of weekly content. There is a huge turnover of board members too. Approximately seven have left within the past six months or so. This is tip of iceberg stuff! It is deeper than it may seem at first. To clarify, WPVM is a broken down project of MAIN.

Money should be deferred to other, more competent community-based networks, nonprofits, municipalities, and cooperatives. Thank you.

Following are 10 reasons for denying stimulus funding for the Mountain Area Information Network:

1. Betrayal of public trust by board and ED/founder. Lacks ability to conceive of keeping their word. Issued misleading public statement September 8, 2008.

2. Very poor customer services and value.

3. Non-inclusive, destructive, autocratic “Founder’s Syndrome.” ED and board have alienated many people.

4. Incompetence. Did not seek counsel for how to best spend funds on prior Internet Service infrastructure.

5. Disregard for laws. Knowingly breaks regulations. I am not at liberty to disclose details in public comment.

6. Unethical business practices. Has lost civil lawsuits.

7. Has no grievance process other than appeal to an admittedly dysfunctional board of directors.

8. Negligence. Lacks sound structure DESPITE the efforts of staff to work with the ED and board to create an excellent organizational structure.

9. Is deceptive. The ED would deceive the public into believing he is the man responsible for URTV.

10. Faces binding arbitration, and/or MORE civil lawsuits, and/or criminal prosecution once everything comes to light.

For more background on why to deny funding MAIN:

http://wpvm.blogspot.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Founder's_syndrome

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_silo

“A Statement of No Confidence”

On February 16th, nine longtime volunteer leaders were fired ("suspended" without recourse) from WPVM by Wally Bowen, MAIN's Executive Director. The previous, arbitrary firing ("suspension" without recourse) of a longtime volunteer in August still has not been adequately addressed; instead it has been greatly magnified. The subsequent manipulation of the Board process by MAIN's Executive Director has not justified the actions he has taken; rather, these actions punctuate the failed and dysfunctional leadership that has led this fine organization into its current state of crisis.

Therefore, we reluctantly yet emphatically state our vote of no confidence in the continued leadership of the current Executive Director. His failed management of this valuable community resource is a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the listeners, donors, subscribers, staff, and volunteers that make up the MAIN/WPVM family. Asheville deserves better, and the volunteers of WPVM stand committed to serve the community, in spite of the ill-advised actions of one man.

We invite all interested members of this community to let your voices be heard. MAIN's Board of Directors need to understand the disastrous course their Executive Director has taken them on, and change that course immediately. This attempt to divide, conquer, and ruin will not stand.

Signed,

S. B.
B. S.
G. L.
B. N.
J. H.
J. J.
R. G. E.
F. M.
V. G.
L. W.
J. P.
C. B.
S. K.
G. C.
K. M.
A. J. B.
K, P.
W. S.
R. F.
A. T.
H. H.
D. L.
T. O.
S. H.
J. D.
C, B,
R. B.
A. H.
S. S.
T. B.
S. O.
R. H.
K. R.
S.P.
M.R.
L. F.
M. M. L.
L. D.
M. H.
M. M.
J. L.
P. B.
D. H.S. K.
M. E.
S. K.
J. O.
D. M.
M. P.
T. C.
C. M.
N. M.
A. C.
E. S.
P. J.
A. W.
L. A.
S. A.
M. C.
J. S.
J. L.
D. M.
C. H.
C. G.
M. K.
S. C.
S. M.
R. H.
R. M.
J. C.
P. C. W.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Betty Buckley
Email:	kmanuel@psctlt.org
Address:	21540 30th Dr. SE, Ste. 310
	Bothell, WA 98021

Communities Connect Network (CCN) is a statewide coalition of public, non-profit and private organizations working to ensure technology opportunities for all.
We represent 200+ organizations in the State of Washington providing technology access and learning opportunities. According to a recent study by the University of Washington, these organizations (CTs) receive more than one million visits per year.
We bring expertise in broadband deployment and adoption, a clearinghouse for research and training, and education about best practices and the needs of digital inclusion programs. Communities Connect Network was instrumental in creating the Washington State Community Technology Opportunity Grant Program and facilitating the awarding of grants for digital inclusion programs. We developed and manage a multi-sector state Digital Inclusion Council. We encourage the NTIA to consider formation of a national digital inclusion council and support these state councils.
We know from experience and research that you can offer valuable online content and applications like medical information or job applications, but if residents can’t afford a broadband connecton, don’t have a working computer, know where to find the content, or how to use the web effectively, then ARRA won’t attain it’s goal of reaching the most vulnerable populations and these residents, small businesses and non-profits will not become sustainable purchasers of broadband services. Our comments here focus on how to use the ARRA funds to link and support increased demand for and adoption of broadband. For instance, low-income residents and seniors will understand how to use broadband after receiving training and could benefit from low-cost computer distribution programs. The disabled need adapted equipment and training to take advantage of broadband. Technology training and web marketing assistance help enable disadvantaged business sustainability and new entrpreneurs...and greater demand for broadband.

Summary of our recommendtions:
1. NTIA and RUS should strengthen support for broadband adoption programs that increased demand, going beyond the minimum amounts set in the ARRA for public access and adoption programs. Broadband adoption programs increase user take-rates and support broadband sustainability. This is especially important for rural and low-income communities.
2. The $450 million allocated to public computing and the “innovative adoption programs” should be considered the minimum available for these purposes.
3. There should be different definitions and criteria for underserved in adoption programs vs deployment programs. Definitions and proposals focused on speed alone do not address the adoption needs of vulnerable populations in urban and rural settings for broadband application awareness, skills training, end-user hardware and software, and technical support. Community Technology Centers (CTC’s) should be eligible and receive funding, in addition to colleges and public libraries, for public access, training and adoption funds,
4. Local and regional programs that regrant to deliver services should be eligible and are an effective way to ensure use of best practices, enable greater reach to underserved populations and to deliver locally responsive community-based initiatives.
5. NTIA and RUS should support capacity building networks which promote best practices and strategic coordination. In Washington State, CCN provides training, program evaluation and other services which would otherwise be unavailable and unaffordable for small to mid-sized CT programs.
6. Affordability in broadband must also be addressed- for residents, non-profit community service providers, and small businesses.

Answers to the questions are addressed in the attachments provided.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Broadband Development Corporation
Email:	cwines@broadbanddevelopmentcorp.com
Address:	720 Montague Avenue
	Greenwood, SC 29646

Please review our submittal to both the NTIA and the RUS regarding comments for the BTOP.

Attachments

Joint Request for Information Docket N. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Please see attached.
 
Hance Haney
Director & Senior Fellow
Technology & Democracy Project 
Discovery Institute 
1015 15th Street, N.W.
Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 558-7083

Blogs: www.disco-tech.org 
    & www.techliberation.com

Attachments

NTIA RUS broadband comments Apr 13 2009.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael H. Pryor
Law firm:	Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Attorney:	Michael H. Pryor
Address:	701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
	Suite 900
	Washington, DC 20004

See attached file.

Attachments

Allied Fiber NTIA Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Donny Smith
Email:	dsmith@jagcom.net
Address:	213 S. Oak Ave.
	Owatonna, MN 55060

Please find attached the comments from Jaguar Communications, Inc.

Attachments

2009 Joint BTOP NTIA RUS comments by Jaguar.pdf

Submission from Loudoun County, Virginia for

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

To Whom it may concern,

Please find attached a word document containing comments for RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01 for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

A 2 page summary is included in the document with 18 pages of follow-up documentation.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

Regards,

Scott Bashore



Scott W. Bashore
Manager of Broadband Services

w 703.771.5578
e sbashore@loudoun.gov
m 571.233.8144
f  703.771.5037

41975 Loudoun Center Place
Leesburg, Virginia 20175-8901

Attachments

Loudoun County, Virginia NTIA Submission.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeffrey Mayhook
Law firm:	Mayhook Law, PLLC
Attorney:	Jeffrey Mayhook
Email:	jeffrey@mayhooklaw.com
Address:	34808 NE 14th Avenue
	La Center, WA 98629

Attached please find the comments of the City of Shafter, California

Attachments

City of Shafter NTIA-RUS 4-13-09.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Abdul Alkalimat
Email:	mcworter@illinois.edu
Address:	1201 W Nevada
	Urbana, IL 61801

Create a digital Civilian Conservation Corps: CAN DO!

The intersecting objectives of BTOP are to create or save jobs and reshape our economy and society, especially un- and under-served areas, around broadband and all the activities it enables. This is the last mile of an information revolution that our corporations, governments and universities have already embraced. All that is left to transform is civil society and the communities where we live.

Every revolution needs foot soldiers. BTOP needs people to help un- and under-served communities make use of its big pipe, public computing facilities, innovative programs, and all related resources. Let’s mobilize young people and others (unemployed, high school, college, grad students) as a digital Peace Corps or Civilian Conservation Corps, drawing on matching funds from the Federal Work Study Program, Americorps, colleges and universities, libraries, and other partners.

Only two criteria are needed to sign up these young people. They must be already familiar with the specific community they work in AND they must have skills or interest in helping people use computers.

These foot soldiers will develop their IT knowledge and their helping skills. They will learn community values. They will be based at a local community anchor institution and supported by a roving manager who visits his +/- 80 corps members monthly. Training can be delivered at the onset in person (boot camps) and thereafter via the internet (weekly skill booster classes) from local colleges/universities, libraries, and community technology or media centers. The young people will use social network tools to help each other and share what works.

Indicators of success will include:

• websites built for community anchor institutions and other groups featuring digital representations of their history and activities
• local history and culture digitized
• local community use of email and other social networking tools
• overall, a measurable increase in individual and group use of broadband and other technology.

A very broad definition of community group should be 4 or more people, with a name, who meet at least twice a year. It is imperative to help groups and not just individuals because community groups stay in the community while individuals may not, and community groups represent more people.

All digital resources created should be linked to a hub website that is searchable by topic and place, by text search or map.

Following from President Obama’s ‘Yes We Can,” this corps could be called Computer and Neighborhoods Digital Opportunity, or CAN DO.

signed,

Abdul Alkalimat
Professor of Black Studies and Library and Information Science

Kate Williams
Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	128 maplewood drive , asheville, north carolina
Email:	cindy7graham@yahoo@yahoo.com
Address:	128 maplewood drive
	asheville, NC 28806

Until many issues\concerns are resolved ,mainly with the ED, I feel that the funds could be much better utilized.Otherwise I am impressed with the committment and talent of the volunteers that are the heart and soul of WPVM.
Sincerely,
Cindy Graham

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chuck Manto
Email:	Chuck@ChuckManto.com
Address:	216 Tawes, FSU, 101 Braddock Rd
	Frostburg, MD 21502

I am familiar with some private sector firms willing to provide local match to local governments, universities or hospitals for broadband initiatives. If interested contact Chuck Manto at the email provided, Chuck@ChuckManto.com.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Law Firm
Law firm:	Arent Fox, LLP
Attorney:	Jeffrey Rummel and Alan Fishel
Email:	rummelJ@arentfox.com
Address:	1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW
	Washington, DC 20036

Please see PDF attachment

Attachments

NTIAasFiled.pdf

Comments for the ARRA Initiative

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Attached please find comments submitted by HierComm, Inc. for the ARRA
Broadband Initiative.

Please refer any questions to:
Mr. Bruce McFadden
bruce.mcfadden@hiercomm.com
Cell: 1-503-709-5455

Or to
Dr. Kenneth Schlager
Kschlager1@wi.rr.com
Tel: 1-262-367-5857

Thank you.

Attachments

ARRA Comments Submission 090413.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Todd D. Daubert
Law firm:	Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP
Email:	tdaubert@kelleydrye.com
Address:	3050 K Street, NW
	Suite 400
	Washington, DC 20007

See Attachment.

Attachments

ACF7BF7.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Charles Benton
Email:	cbenton@benton.org
Address:	1625 K Street NW
	11th FL
	Washington, DC 20006

Attached are Comments of the Benton Foundation and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Graduate School of Library & Information Science on
Measuring the Success of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Laura Mayhook
Law firm:	Mayhook Law, PLLC
Attorney:	Laura Mayhook
Email:	laura@mayhooklaw.com
Address:	34808 NE14th Avenue
	La Center, WA 98629

Attached please find the comments of Stayton Cooperative Telephone Company

Attachments

SCTC NTIA-RUS 4-13-09.PDF

DRA -- BTOP Comments

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Many thanks for your work on this project. Please let me know if we can be
of help.



Bill Triplett, Sr. Advisor to the Federal Co-Chairman

Office of the Federal Co-Chairman -- Delta Regional Authority

www.dra.gov // www.healthydelta.com // www.dramultimodal.com

202-689-4134

Attachments

DRA -- Comments -- NTIA-RUS -- Final.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Stephen Kirbach
Email:	skirbach@unca.edu
Address:	453-A West Haywood Street
	Asheville, NC 28801

While I fully agree & sympathize with those who live in rural areas of western North Carolina and who need high speed internet access, please DO NOT turn over taxpayer money to the Mountain Area Information Network.

I am a longtime (10+ year) MAIN subscriber, & I’ve never used another ISP. My thinking for years has been to keep my money circulating within the community as much as possible. I’ve assumed for a solid 30+ years that the best stimulus package keeps cash cycling locally, and I’ve tried to live by this precept.

Yet my annual renewal for MAIN’s ISP services is due this approaching 1st week of May, & I shall refuse to support this organization until the management changes hands.

The management of this organization is poor at best.

This ISP failed to properly anticipate the loss of dialup revenue & has struggled to survive ever since. When asked in a recent public forum called MAIN 2.0, the Executive Director openly admitted that organization which he has directed since its inception failed to operate sustainably since the late 1990s.

Check into the board turnover rate & uncover a management system which simply acquiesces to a narcissistic ED who’s obsessed with propagandizing as opposed to informing. The mission statement sounds good, but it’s proven to be little more than a sham.

The current board has been hand-picked by the ED, & those board members who dared to question this ED in the past have been harassed until they leave. After these good volunteers leave in frustration, the ED trots out lies about their character in the local media.

This organization has had over 50% board member turnover in the past year. This is an organization plagued by board resignations and Founder’s Syndrome.

This ED continually lies to the local community & is widely despised. He claims that MAIN is a ‘sustainable business model’ while the sock puppet board members constantly panic about MAIN’s persistent & looming financial collapse. I’ve sat in on several board meetings and witnessed these panic sessions.

To turn over taxpayer money to MAIN would be a travesty. Please thoroughly investigate this organization before wasting taxpayer money on yet another house of cards.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kathleen O’Brien Ham
Email:	kathleen.ham@t-mobile.com
Address:	401 Ninth Street, N.W.
	Suite 550
	Washington, DC 20004

See attached file.

Attachments

T-Mobile Responses.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brett Glass
Email:	broadbandgrants@brettglass.com
Address:	PO Box 383
	Laramie, WY 82073

Followup: Because this comment system appears to represent at least some file attachments in formats that are not directly readable by humans, I have also posted my comments regarding the stimulus program at

http://www.brettglass.com/btop.pdf

Public comments

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Please accept the attached comments for your consideration.

Best regards,

Vince Jordan | President/CEO
p: 720.204.2934 | skype: vtjordan
vjordan@ridgeviewtel.com |www.ridgeviewtel.com
1880 Industrial Circle Ste. C | Longmont, CO 80501
Live to Ride - Ride to Live
It's the Journey, not the destination...Journey well


CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE:  Information in this e-mail and its attachments is
confidential and/or proprietary.  If you are not the intended recipient, be
aware that any use, dissemination or printing is prohibited.  If you
received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and delete this copy
and reply from your system.  Thank you!

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kelly Wilkins
Email:	kelly@hemc.coop
Address:	P.O. Box 25
	Clarkesville, GA 30523

see attached

Attachments

HEMC-BB-Comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	MarkCooper
Email:	markcooper@aol.com
Address:	504 Highgate Terrace
	silver spring, MD 20904

CFA Comments Attached

Attachments

CFANTIA Commnets.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	achakine@ccthita.org
Email:	achakine@ccthita.org
Address:	West Willoughby
	Juneau, AK 99701

testimony is attached

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	CTIA-The Wireless Association
Email:	bjosef@ctia.org
Address:	1400 16th Street, NW
	Suite 600
	Washington, DC 20036

See attached file.

Attachments

090413 FILED CTIA BTOP Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Todd B. Lantor
Law firm:	Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP
Attorney:	Todd B. Lantor
Email:	tlantor@fcclaw.com
Address:	1650 Tysons Boulevard
	Suite 1500
	McLean, VA 22102

See attached Comments of Rural Cellular Association.

Attachments

RCA BTOP Comments - 041309 - MASTER FILE.pdf

CONXX BTOP RFI Response - Word doc format

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Attached, please find the CONXX response to the NTIA/RUS BTOP RFI.  If you
have any questions, please feel free to contact me at either of the numbers
below.



Best regards,



Dave Kartchner





David E. Kartchner     
dave.kartchner@conxx.net

Executive Vice President

CONXX, Inc.

434 N Centre Street

Cumberland, MD 21502

240-580-2763   .  Mobile 801-699-9300



This email and any attachments thereto may contain private, confidential,
and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any
review, copying, or distribution of this email (or any attachments thereto)
by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient,
please contact the sender immediately and permanently delete the original
and any copies of this email and any attachments thereto.

Attachments

CONXX NTIA BTOP RFI Response.doc

Written comments on BTOP

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Dear Sir or Madam:

Jaguar Communications comments on the ARRA program, specifically answering the questions posed under the portions on BTOP, NTIA, and RUS are attached to this email, of April the 13th, 2009.  We will also post these comments on your website.

Respectfully,
/s/ Donny Smith, CEO
Jaguar Communications, Inc.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Free Press
Email:	dturner@freepress.net
Address:	501 Third Street NW
	Suite 875
	Washington, DC 20001

Please find the attached written comment from Free Press, as filed April 13, 2009.

Attachments

Free Press_NTIA Formal Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Russell H. Fox
Law firm:	Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Attorney:	Russell H. Fox
Email:	rhfox@mintz.com
Address:	701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
	Ste. 900
	Washington, DC 20004

Attached are FiberTower Corporation's comments. Please contact Russell Fox, counsel to FiberTower Corporation, at 202-434-7300 with any questions concerning this filing.

Attachments

ACF7BD0.pdf

Stop broadband stimulus jobs from going to Asia

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z


I would like to voice my concern about the applicability of the stimulus
bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs. Nearly all
the broadband equipment suppliers have moved  their manufacturing to Asia or
other parts of the would outside of our borders.



If we are to use the Broadband part of the new stimulus package , and also
place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation
process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go
to support jobs overseas. As a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the
bill for all this, I write to urge you to include credible, strong
enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your
programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it all,
American jobs creation!



Thank you.



Kevin McDonald

All Around Home Inspections Inc.

DeaconsDuty Handyman/Remodeling


Contacts
cell 678-777-5846
home 770-591-0338
email   deaconsduty@bellsouth.net

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Stiefel & Jones Consulting, LLC
Law firm:	Stiefel & Jones Consulting, LLC
Email:	justin@sjgdc.com
Address:	Stiefel & Jones Consulting, LLC
	43 Town and Country Dr, Ste 119
	Fredericksurg, VA 22405

Please see attached

Attachments

Innovative Grant Program Comments BB.CC.pdf

FW: NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

From: Anthony Lehv 
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 9:51 PM
To: BTOP@ntia.doc.gov
Subject: NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

Dear sir or madam -

On behalf of American Tower Corporation, attached are its comments for
submission in NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.  

Please contact me if you have any questions concerning this filing.

Respectfully submitted,

H. Anthony Lehv

Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel & Chief Compliance
Officer

American Tower Corporation

116 Huntington Avenue

11th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

P: 617.375.7544

F: 617.375.7575

C: 202.423.4915

Anthony.Lehv@americantower.com

CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY and PRIVILEGED: The information contained in
this e-mail and any attachments constitutes proprietary and confidential
information of American Tower Corporation and its affiliates. This
communication contains information that is proprietary and may be
subject to the attorney-client, work product or other legal privilege or
otherwise legally exempt from disclosure even if received in error. The
communication is intended for the use of the addressee only. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify us by return e-mail and destroy any copies,
electronic, paper or otherwise, which you may have of this
communication. Thank you for your cooperation.

Attachments

American Tower - NTIA_RUS Comments.doc

NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:25:00Z

Dear sir or madam -

 

On behalf of American Tower Corporation, attached are its comments for
submission in NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.  

 

Please contact me if you have any questions concerning this filing.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

H. Anthony Lehv

Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel & Chief Compliance
Officer

American Tower Corporation

116 Huntington Avenue

11th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

P: 617.375.7544

F: 617.375.7575

C: 202.423.4915

Anthony.Lehv@americantower.com  

 

CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY and PRIVILEGED: The information contained in
this e-mail and any attachments constitutes proprietary and confidential
information of American Tower Corporation and its affiliates. This
communication contains information that is proprietary and may be
subject to the attorney-client, work product or other legal privilege or
otherwise legally exempt from disclosure even if received in error. The
communication is intended for the use of the addressee only. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please
immediately notify us by return e-mail and destroy any copies,
electronic, paper or otherwise, which you may have of this
communication. Thank you for your cooperation.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mayor Rae Carole Russell
Address:	400 NW 73rd Ave.
	Plantation, FL 33317

We have attached a letter expressing our comments.

Attachments

Armstrong-Russell.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brett Glass
Email:	broadbandgrants@brettglass.com
Address:	PO Box 383
	Laramie, WY 82073

Rural broadband provider Brett Glass, d/b/a LARIAT, respectfully submits the attached comment (see PDF file) for your consideration.

Attachments

Stimulus recommendations.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mayor David Pennington
Address:	1329 McArthur Street
	Suite 1
	Manchester, TN 37355

Please see the attached document.

Attachments

Mayor David Pennington, Coffee Co TN.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Andrew W Buffmire
Law firm:	Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll
Attorney:	Jerold G Oldroyd
Email:	abuffmire@sigmt.com
Address:	201 South Main St., Suite 800
	Salt Lake City, UT 84111-2221

See Attached Comments

Attachments

SignalRidge.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alrington McNichol
Email:	alrington.mcnichol@arrisi.com
Address:	3781 Lakefield Dr
	Suwanee, GA 30024

Please add me to you mailing list for all updates.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Thomas E. Moore
Email:	tom.moore@viasat.com
Address:	4600 S. Syracuse Street
	Suite 900
	Denver, CO 80237

Please see attached pdf document.

Attachments

ViaSat Comments to NTIA RUS.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The State of California
Attorney:	Robert Haga
Email:	rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Address:	505 Van Ness Avenue
	Room 5205
	San Francisco, CA 94102

Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The State of California
Attorney:	Robert Haga
Email:	rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Address:	505 Van Ness Avenue
	Room 5205
	San Francisco, CA 94102

Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The State of California
Attorney:	Robert Haga
Email:	rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Address:	505 Van Ness Avenue
	Room 5205
	San Francisco, CA 94102

Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The State of California
Attorney:	Robert Haga
Email:	rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Address:	505 Van Ness Avenue
	Room 5205
	San Francisco, CA 94102

Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Attachments

California_Response_to_NTIA_on_BB_Stimulus_Grants_4-13-09.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:06:00Z

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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Name of Commenter: The People of the State of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Organization: The State of California
Docket Number: 090309298-9299-01
Mail Correspondence To: The State of California
Law Firm Name:
Attorney Name: Robert Haga
Tribal Affiliation:
Email: rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Mailing Address: 505 Van Ness Avenue
Mailing Address 2: Room 5205
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Zip Code: 94102
Comments: Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Y2x1ZGUgYXBwbGljYXRpb25zIHRvIE5USUEgZGlyZWN0bHkgZnJvbSBlbnRpdGllcyBub3Qg
Y29vcm

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The State of California
Attorney:	Robert Haga
Email:	rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Address:	505 Van Ness Avenue
	Room 5205
	San Francisco, CA 94102

Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Attachments

California_Response_to_NTIA_on_BB_Stimulus_Grants_4-13-09.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The State of California
Attorney:	Robert Haga
Email:	rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Address:	505 Van Ness Avenue
	Room 5205
	San Francisco, CA 94102

Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	The State of California
Attorney:	Robert Haga
Email:	rwh@cpuc.ca.gov
Address:	505 Van Ness Avenue
	Room 5205
	San Francisco, CA 94102

Attached are comments submitted on behalf of the People of California and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Catherine Melchert
Address:	228 S. Main Street
	Bartlett, IL 60103

Please refer to the attached letter.

Attachments

Catherine Melchert, Village of Bartlett.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jonathan V. Harlan
Address:	P.O. Box 277
	JACKSON, TN 38302-0277

See Attachment

Attachments

041309_NTIA Comment.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tara M. Corvo
Law firm:	Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Attorney:	Tara M. Corvo
Address:	701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
	Suite 900
	Washington, DC 20004

See attached file.

Attachments

Discovery NTIA Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael R. Romano
Law firm:	Bingham McCutchen LLP
Email:	michael.romano@bingham.com
Address:	2020 K Street, NW, 11th Floor
	Washington, DC 20006

The attached comments were submitted earlier today in Word format via email pursuant to the Federal Register instructions. We are submitting them via Web Comment Word attachment as well to ensure inclusion in the record.

Attachments

Great Plains Comments.DOC

Comments of Free Press

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Attachments

Free Press_NTIA Formal Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Herbert Walters
Address:	2965 White Oak Rd.
	Burnsville, NC 28714

We live and work in a rural commmunity and the needs of our citizens are often overlooked in comparison to urban areas. This is a matter of great economic importance for us and we want help. We believe first priority for broadband stimulus funding should be that it is given to community-based networks, especially nonprofits. This creates local jobs and re-investment in the community. Local networks -- are more likely to create sustainable business models. Also, local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs and will be more accountable for how stimulus funds are spent.

Comments of Rural Cellular Association - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:
 
Attached is a copy of the comments filed earlier this evening by Rural
Cellular Association (RCA) in Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.  The same
filing was also submitted electronically via NTIA's webpage (
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm).
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding
the information provided.
 
Sincerely,
 
Todd B. Lantor
Lukas, Nace Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP
1650 Tysons Blvd.
Suite 1500
McLean, Virginia 22102
Phone: (703) 584-8671
Fax: (703) 584-8694 
 
Counsel to Rural Cellular Association
 
If you have received this message in error, please contact me because it
may contain information that is confidential or protected by the
attorney-client privilege.

Attachments

RCA BTOP Comments - 041309 - MASTER FILE.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John St. Julien
Email:	John2@Lafayetteprofiber.com
Address:	401 St. Charles St.
	Lafayette, LA 70501

Please see comment attached as: "NTIA comments Lafayette JASTJ.rtf"

Attachments

NTIA comments Lafayette JASTJ.rtf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Arthur Firstenberg
Address:	PO Box 6216
	Santa Fe, NM 87502

I am resubmitting my comments, this time with formatting and in the form of a letter, so it will be easier to read.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Edmundo Hidalgo
Email:	Edmundo.Hidalgo@cplc.org
Address:	Edmundo.Hidalgo@cplc.org
	Phoenix, AZ 85034

Please see attachment

Attachments

ACF7B90.pdf

ATIC Response to NTIA Questionnaire

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Attachments

ATIC input to NTIA.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	One Economy Corporation
Email:	keisner@one-economy.com
Address:	1220 19th Street NW
	Suite 610
	Washington, DC 20036

Please accept this updated version of our comments in place of the previous comments we submitted to RUS. Please remove the prior version, which included tracked changes.

Best,
Ken Eisner
Managing Director, OE Ventures
One Economy Corporation
202.256.2897 m

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	One Economy Corporation
Email:	keisner@one-economy.com
Address:	1220 19th Street NW
	Suite 610
	Washington, DC 20036

Please accept this updated version of our comments in place of the previous comments we submitted to NTIA. Please remove the prior version, which included tracked changes.

Best,
Ken Eisner
Managing Director, OE Ventures
One Economy Corporation
202.256.2897 m

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rep. Tom Chabin
Email:	tchabin@azleg.gov
Address:	tchabin@azleg.gov
	Phoenix, AZ 85007

Please see attachement

Attachments

NTIA 4.9.09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Robert Schill
Email:	rob.schill@e-copernicus.com
Address:	317 Massachusetts Ave, NE
	Suite 200
	Washington, DC 20002

Filed on behalf of Bresnan Communications, LLC; Cequel Communications, LLC dba Suddenlink Communications; Mediacom Communications Corporation; and Midcontinent Communications

Attachments

Bresnan Mediacom Midcontinent Suddenlink NTIA RUS Filing 04 13 09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	William L. Kovacs
Email:	wkovacs@uschamber.com
Address:	1615 H Street, NW
	Washington, DC 20062

Attached are the comments of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in response to the Joint Request for Information from the National Telecommunications Information Administration (“NTIA”) and Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) on the broadband-related provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“Recovery Act”), and to the Federal Communications Commission’s (“Commission”) request for comments on its consultative role in helping to implement these provisions.

Attachments

U.S. Chamber - Comments to NTIA RUS & FCC on Broadband Provisions in the ARRA.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Arthur Firstenberg
Address:	PO Box 6216
	Santa Fe, NM 87502

I am submitting these comments as a series of attachments.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Utopian Wireless Corporation
Email:	clare@utopianwireless.com
Address:	7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1400
	Bethesda, MD 20814

Comments of Utopian Wireless Corporation attached.

Attachments

Utopian Comment to NTIA Request Dckt No. 090309298-9299-01.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joe Dolan
Email:	jdolan@hitn.org
Address:	Building #292, Suite 211
	63 Flushing Avenue, Unit 281
	Brooklyn, NY 11205-1078

HITN Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Stimulus Programs

Attachments

HITN Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Stimulus Programs.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Arthur Firstenberg
Address:	PO Box 6216
	Santa Fe, NM 87502

I am the president of the Cellular Phone Task Force, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 to work with scientists, doctors and citizens worldwide to confront a new and frightening danger to public health. That danger was universal microwave radiation from digital cell phones and cell towers.

Today the danger from universal wireless broadband looms even larger. Money to provide broadband to presently unserved populations must be spent on fiber optics and communication cables, and NOT on wireless technologies.

Where a single source of radiation once sufficed to serve thousands of cell phone users who used their phones intermittently, today wireless broadband requires a dense concentration of antennas, wireless access points and wireless computers that broadcast 24/7. The greater the population density, the greater the concentration of antennas, access points and computers.

The public and, unfortunately, the regulators, for the most part, do not understand the physics. They don't understand the critical importance of distance: a WiFi antenna exposes you to much more radiation than a cell tower. A WiFi antenna transmitting only 1 watt exposes you to 100 times more radiation than a cell tower transmitting 1000 watts, if the WiFi antenna is 10 yards away and the cell tower is two miles away. A WiFi antenna is almost always much more dangerous than a cell tower, because cell towers are further away and WiFi antennas and access points are right on top of you.

People don't understand the importance of bandwidth. For the same amount of power, the more frequencies your body is hit with, the more harmful. Broadband radiation is more harmful than narrowband radiation. Data transmission is more harmful than voice transmission.

People don't understand that exposure to this radiation is involuntary. If you're allergic to cigarette smoke, you can shut your doors. The smoke doesn't come in. But microwave radiation does. If you lay a cloud of WiFi/WiMax over the whole country, you trap within it 300,000,000 people regardless of whether they are children, pregnant, old, sick, or sensitive. If this type of radiation already causes certain people pain and they have learned how to keep their distance, you condemn them to torture for the rest of their life.

People are dying. My phone does not stop ringing with the cries of individuals whose neighbors have installed WiFi, or whose cities have installed citywide WiFi. I get to listen to them tell me how suddenly they can't sleep, their ears ring, their joints hurt, their heart pounds, and their blood pressure is through the roof. They can't think and their memory is gone. They suffer from nosebleeds. Their children are acting out. Where can they go, they ask me. I get to listen to the same story I have heard so many thousands of times before. And I no longer have an answer, because wireless Internet is coming to my neighborhood as well, and yours, unless people wake up.

Attached are three documents:

(1) A press release that has been sent out by a group whose members represent many communities across this nation;

(2) A letter to President Obama on this subject, with links to scientific databases, websites, and other informative documents. This letter is being circulated nationally as a petition.

(3) A partial list of governments and organizations worldwide that ban or warn against wireless technology.

Attachments

NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

On behalf of the NHISPA, attached are our comments for submission in
NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.  Please contact me if you have any
questions concerning this filing.

Carol Miller
NCIA
38 Glen Avenue
Berlin NH  03570
V: 603-752-1250 Ext 11
F: 603-752-8134
c_miller@ncia.net

Attachments

NHISPA41309.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	New America Media
Email:	kweston@newamericamedia.org
Address:	275 9th St
	San Francisco, CA 94103

The following comments are in response to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives, Joint request for information and notice of public meetings (Docket No. 090309298-9299-01):

* NTIA should award grants to intermediaries with experience in identifying, funding and supporting innovative technology programs that increase sustainable adoption of broadband service in unserved and underserved areas.
* For-profit entities should be incentivized to partner with non-profit entities that are also applying for BTOP funding.
* Proposals which leverage other Recovery Act projects should be encouraged, but such leverage should not be a requirement to receive funding.
* Applicants should be encouraged, but not required, to address more than one purpose of the BTOP grant program.
* States should not have an advisory role in the allocation of grant funds if they themselves are applicants.
* Funding should be diversified across multiple organizations within a state and not sole-sourced to one entity within a state.
* Organizations that can immediately provide 20% matching cash toward a project should be given greater weighting than those organizations with a contingency to raise matching funds from external sources.
* The broadband mapping effort should include the mapping and tracking of broadband adoption, in addition to broadband availability.

NTIA should consider the following factors in establishing selection criteria for grant awards to stimulate the demand for broadband:

1. A proven track record (5 or more years) in stimulating demand for broadband availability, adoption, and accessibility in unserved and underserved communities.
2. Strong indigenous support within/by members of the targeted communities in specific geographic areas, evidenced by needs/demand assessment or survey data.
3. Proven cost-effective approaches, which leverage both public and private sector resources.
4. All Computer Centers and NTIA-funded programs should be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
5. Experience in creating a reasonable level of sustainable economic impact/revenue generation (i.e. social enterprise), which will support sustained broadband usage and ongoing adoption within economically challenged communities.
6. Demonstration/proposal of replicable models of change which can be propagated across multiple geographic/cultural/ethnic/socio-economic vulnerable communities.
7. Potential for projects to scale. NTIA should direct funding toward projects that can be scaled or replicated immediately as well as toward targeted, innovative models that can be scaled in the future.
8. Development of relevant, culturally and linguistically competent content for underserved consumers and broadband applications by community-oriented entrepreneurs.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	DigitalBridge Communications Corp.
Law firm:	Patton Boggs LLP
Attorney:	Jennifer Richter
Address:	2550 M Street, NW
	Washington, DC 20037

See attached.

Attachments

ACF7B6A.PDF

ARRA RUS comments

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Please find attached our submission regarding implementation of the RUS
Broadband program under the ARRA.

Sincerely,

Loredo Sola, Chairman
East Central Vermont Community Fiber

Attachments

ECF RUS Comments 090413 final.pdf

CCTHITA TESTIMONY ON COMMISSION'S CONSULTATIVE ROLE IN THE BROADBAND PROVISIONS OF THE RECOVERY ACT (GN Docket No. 09-40)

2009-04-14T14:18:00Z

Dear Members of the Federal Communications Commission,

Please accept the attached testimony submitted on behalf of William E.
Martin, CCTHITA President. Please don't hesitate to call me with
questions or for additional information. 

Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the Commission's role in the
broadband provisions of the American Recovery Act.

Sincerely,

Andrei Chakine

Business and Economic Development Department Manager

Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

9097 Glacier Hwy

Juneau, Alaska 99801

(907) 463-7121 phone

(907) 463-7356 fax

www.ccthita.org

www.alaskatribalbiz.org

Attachments

CCTHITA Testimony on Rural Broadband.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Robert E. Mayfield
Email:	bob@ecsis.net
Address:	1295A Hwy 51 Bypass N.
	Dyersburg, TN 38024

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

The Broadband Data Improvement Act is an important opportunity for rural west Tennessee to achieve a new start in its goal of stimulating economic growth through the online economy.
In this regard we would like to recommend the funding of the 21st Century Online Jobs Creation Program as proposed by cTechnology, Inc. of Nashville, TN through the proposed NTIA Sustainable Broadband Adoption Grant mechanism.
cTechnology’s program holds strong promise to foster sustainable broadband adoption and also radically change the hopes for economic success in the region by creating online jobs for the region's young people. The region is experiencing a high loss rate of its young people to urban communities and lack of economic opportunity is the primary cause.
Combining broadband availability with a direct link to online economic opportunity holds a strong potential for radically changing our region for the good. cTechnology has already proven to be an innovative and committed partner for our region and has the strong support of many regional and state leaders.
We ask that this program be given strong funding consideration for the future of our rural Tennessee communities.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Mayfield
Managing Partner, ECSIS.NET, LLC
President, Tennessee Internet Service Providers Association (TISPA)
Member Tennessee Broadband Task Force
Member Connected Tennessee Steering Committee

Re: MSS & ATC Coalition Comments - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Attached, in both Word (.doc) and Adobe (.pdf) formats, are the comments
of the MSS & ATC Coalition in response to the joint NTIA and RUS request
for information.
 <>  <> 

Emily J. H. Daniels | Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
--------------------------------
Tel:  202.663.9378 | Fax:  202.663.8007
2300 N Street, NW | Washington, DC 20037-1122

Email:  emily.daniels@pillsburylaw.com
 
www.pillsburylaw.com




-----------------------------------------------------------

The contents of this message, together with any attachments, are intended only for the use of  the individual or entity to which they are addressed and may contain information that is legally privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this  message, or any attachment, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the original sender or the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman Help Desk at  Tel: 800-477-0770 x4860 immediately by telephone or by return E-mail and delete this message,  along with any attachments, from your computer. Thank you. 
===========================================================

Attachments

Re: SkyTerra Communications, Inc. Comments - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Attached, in both Word (.doc) and Adobe (.pdf) formats, are the comments
of SkyTerra Communications, Inc. in response to the joint NTIA and RUS
request for information.

 <>  <> 

Emily J. H. Daniels | Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
--------------------------------
Tel:  202.663.9378 | Fax:  202.663.8007
2300 N Street, NW | Washington, DC 20037-1122

Email:  emily.daniels@pillsburylaw.com
 
www.pillsburylaw.com




-----------------------------------------------------------

The contents of this message, together with any attachments, are intended only for the use of  the individual or entity to which they are addressed and may contain information that is legally privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this  message, or any attachment, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the original sender or the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman Help Desk at  Tel: 800-477-0770 x4860 immediately by telephone or by return E-mail and delete this message,  along with any attachments, from your computer. Thank you. 
===========================================================

Attachments

BTOP Comments

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Attached please find comments of the Independent Telephone & Telecommunications Alliance.
 
Please contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
 
Thank you,
 
Joshua Seidemann
202-898-1519

Attachments

ITTA NTIA RUS Final.doc

AECC comments on ARRA NTIA RUS Broadband Programs

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Please accept the attached comments from the Advanced Emergency
Communications Coalition on the ARRA NTIA RUS broadband programs.

 

Should you have any question please feel free to reach:

 

Richard Taylor

c/o e-Copernicus

317 Massachusetts Ave, NE

Washington, DC 20002

202-292-4600

 

Rob Schill

Director of Federal Affairs, e-Copernicus

(Executive Director, VTIC)

317 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Suite 200

Washington, D.C. 20002

Direct: 202-292-4604

Attachments

AECC Comments on ARRA NTIA RUS Broadband Programs.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Catherine Novellli
Email:	cnovelli@apple.com
Address:	901 15th Street, NW
	Suite 1000
	Washington, DC 20005

See attached file below.

Attachments

Apple comments in NTIA and RUS BTOP proceeding.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Garvey Schubert Barer
Law firm:	Garvey Schubert Barer
Attorney:	John Crigler
Email:	jcrigler@gsblaw.com
Address:	1000 Potomac Street, N.W.
	Fifth Floor
	Washington, DC 20007

See attachment.

Attachments

ACF7B5F.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T13:58:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Attorney:	Heather Grahame
Email:	grahame.heather@dorsey.com
Address:	1031 West 4th Avenue
	Suite 600
	Anchorage, AK 99501

Comments have been submitted via the attached pdf. file.

Attachments

KKCC NTIA Comments.pdf

Bresnan Mediacom Midcontinent Suddenlink comments

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Please accept the attached filing from Bresnan Communications, LLC;
Cequel Communications, LLC dba Suddenlink Communications; Mediacom
Communications Corporation; and Midcontinent Communications.

 

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach me at the
contact info below.

 

Rob Schill

Director of Federal Affairs, e-Copernicus

(Executive Director, VTIC)

317 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Suite 200

Washington, D.C. 20002

Direct: 202-292-4604

Attachments

Bresnan Mediacom Midcontinent Suddenlink NTIA RUS Filing 04 13 09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T13:58:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Betty Buckley
Email:	kmanuel@psctlt.org
Address:	21540 30th Dr. SE, Ste. 310
	Bothell, WA 98021

Communities Connect Network (CCN) is a statewide coalition of public, non-profit and private organizations working to ensure technology opportunities for all.

We represent 200+ organizations in the State of Washington providing technology access and learning opportunities. According to a recent study by the University of Washington, these organizations (CTs) receive more than one million visits per year.
We bring expertise in broadband deployment and adoption, a clearinghouse for research and training, and education about best practices and the needs of digital inclusion programs. Communities Connect Network was instrumental in creating the Washington State Community Technology Opportunity Grant Program and facilitating the awarding of grants for digital inclusion programs. We developed and manage a multi-sector state Digital Inclusion Council. We encourage the NTIA to consider formation of a national digital inclusion council and support these state councils.
We know from experience and research that you can offer valuable online content and applications like medical information or job applications, but if residents can’t afford a broadband connecton, don’t have a working computer, know where to find the content, or how to use the web effectively, then ARRA won’t attain it’s goal of reaching the most vulnerable populations and these residents, small businesses and non-profits will not become sustainable purchasers of broadband services. Our comments here focus on how to use the ARRA funds to link and support increased demand for and adoption of broadband. For instance, low-income residents and seniors will understand how to use broadband after receiving training and could benefit from low-cost computer distribution programs. The disabled need adapted equipment and training to take advantage of broadband. Technology training and web marketing assistance help enable disadvantaged business sustainability and new entrepreneurs...and greater demand for broadband.

Summary of our recommendtions:
1. NTIA and RUS should strengthen support for broadband adoption programs that increased demand, going beyond the minimum amounts set in the ARRA for public access and adoption programs. Broadband adoption programs increase user take-rates and support broadband sustainability. This is especially important for rural and low-income communities.
2. The $450 million allocated to public computing and the “innovative adoption programs” should be considered the minimum available for these purposes.
3. There should be different definitions and criteria for underserved in adoption programs vs deployment programs. Definitions and proposals focused on speed alone do not address the adoption needs of vulnerable populations in urban and rural settings for broadband application awareness, skills training, end-user hardware and software, and technical support. Community Technology Centers (CTC’s) should be eligible and receive funding, in addition to colleges and public libraries, for public access, training and adoption funds,
4. Local and regional programs that regrant to deliver services should be eligible and are an effective way to ensure use of best practices, enable greater reach to underserved populations and to deliver locally responsive community-based initiatives.
5. NTIA and RUS should support capacity building networks which promote best practices and strategic coordination. In Washington State, CCN provides training, program evaluation and other services which would otherwise be unavailable and unaffordable for small to mid-sized CT programs.
6. Affordability in broadband must also be addressed- for residents, non-profit community service providers, and small businesses.

Answers to the questions are detailed in the attached documents.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T13:58:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jonathan V. Harlan
Address:	P.O. Box 277
	JACKSON, TN 38302-0277

Dr. Bernadette McGuire-Rivera
Associate Administrator, Office of
Telecommunication and Information Applications
NTIA
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington DC 20230

Mr. David P. Grahn
Associate General Counsel
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rural Development
Room 2017, Mail Stop 1423
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington DC 20250

April 13, 2009

Dear Dr. McGuire-Rivera and Mr. Grahn:

I am the owner of Aeneas Communications, LLC; a facilities based ISP/CLEC (internet and telephone retailer) operating in rural west Tennessee. I would like to be heard on administration of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

COMMENT ON OPEN ACCESS

Government policy of late has been drifting to the idea that every broadband retailer must finance and build its own network infrastructure; this is wasteful as it is technologically feasible to transmit multiple broadband carriers over single networks, and it raises a substantial barrier to entry into the broadband retail market, thus hampering investment and competition.

I would like to encourage an “open access” requirement on any network infrastructure paid for with public money. Broadband retailers, their owners and employees, are “citizens” and I believe we have a Constitutional right to utilize these public resources.

I therefore encourage state and federal policymakers to protect the rights of citizen CLECs and ISPs to non-discriminatory use of these new publicly financed resources. CLECs and ISPs currently pay for access to incumbent and other networks, and will pay on “fair and reasonable terms” to access the new infrastructure as well.

COMMENT ON ELIGIBLITY, ROLE OF STATES

“Eligible grantee” under the NTIA program is to include states and political subdivisions and non-profit organizations, but also commercial entities if the Department of Commerce finds it to be in the “public interest”.

One key group in current and future broadband retailing is made up of Competitive Local Exchange Carriers, many of which started out as Internet Service Providers before the Incumbent Carriers and cable carriers discovered the internet. CLECs are more nimble and service oriented than the giant phone and cable companies and generally have a more personalized relationship within a market- key to bringing the late adopter to cyber-space.

Each state has already vetted the CLEC community for “managerial, financial, and technological” proficiency through their Certificate of Need process before a Public Service Commission or similar agency. With the likelihood of thousands of grant applications and little time to dwell on details, the federal government should take advantage of this vetting process by establishing a rebuttable presumption that a state certificated entity’s eligibility is “in the public interest.”

As stated, exploitation of the internet was pioneered by the non-certificated ISP community and such entrepreneurs should have a place on the cutting edge broadband networks made possible through ARRA, whether through broadband deployment or end user services. It is suggested that non-certificated ISP eligibility depends upon proof of two years of successful operational history and filing of a Form 477 for the relevant calendar years.

We understand that the State Of Tennessee has proposed a comprehensive state administered program for any funds to be allocated to the state. We are not opposed to state assisted administration, however, the incumbent here has as many lobbyists registered at the state capitol as we have employees (approximately 30). Federal oversight of any administrative assistance given by the states is recommended.

COMMENT ON RELEVANCE OF UNSERVED/UNDERSERVED DEFINITIONS

The States are an obvious resource in defining “underserved” and “unserved” areas within a state.

Whether an area is “unserved” or “underserved” is probably evidence of where RUS and NTIA should expect grant applicants to address the “demand side” of broadband adoption. If “unserved”, a community doesn’t know what it is missing; if “underserved”, the community is probably already hungry for bandwidth.

“Unserved” and “underserved”, whatever their definitions should be legally indistinguishable with respect to deploying quality infrastructure and the information granularity and expense required to split this hair is simply unnecessary.

We would encourage abandonment of the RUS standard for breaking up projects by census tract and/or Rand McNally towns, and instead look at infrastructure and delivery on an identifiable market-by-market basis. At the same time one does this, of course, the likelihood of including served, unserved, and underserved areas with the same project increase, but this is consistent with the ARRA objective of leaving a financially sustainable network and market in the wake of the stimulus expenditures.

We believe the guiding principle, consistent with the statute concerning the RUS stimulus program, should be that no more than 25% of a project’s service area may include a non-rural area. (To allow any recent private investment to recoup costs, a grantee may not sell services in a portion of the market area served with high speed broadband for less than twelve months from the date of turn up of the grantee’s service).

Sincerely,

Jonathan V. Harlan, Owner and CEO

About Aeneas Internet and Telephone
Since its founding in 1995, Aeneas Internet & Telephone has been dedicated to the expansion of technological boundaries. Over the years it has grown from offering basic dial-up Internet services to a wide range of cutting-edge telecommunications solutions. Moving at the speed of technology, Aeneas now offers a myriad of services including nationwide Internet access, local and long distance service in Tennessee, Voice over Internet, commercial Web hosting and design, Internet backbone connectivity for businesses, broadband Internet, off-site file storage and disaster preparedness options.
Aeneas has a long history of firsts, and a particular sensitivity to the often-neglected needs of rural communities. It was the first company to bring Internet to rural Tennessee and soon after its creation became West Tennessee's largest Internet provider. Aeneas was also the first to bring broadband Internet to rural Tennessee. And in 1999, Aeneas expanded into the telephone industry when it became Tennessee's first and only Tennessee-owned, facilities based Competitive Local Exchange Carrier ("CLEC"). In 2004, Aeneas became the first Tennessee-based VoIP carrier over the largest municipal FTTH (fiber to the home) network in the country, once again taking a place on the front lines of the latest telecommunications breakthrough.

1998 Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award as Emerging Business
2007 Business TN Magazine’s “Hot 100”
2007 Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Hot 500” (nationally)
2008 Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Award for Business Excellence
2008 Inc. Magazine 500 List as among the “Fastest Growing Private Businesses”

EchoStar Corporation Comments in Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Please find attached a Word and PDF version of EchoStar Corporation's
comments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband
Initiatives, Joint Request for Information, Docket No.
090309298-9299-01.

 <>  <> 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about the
attachments.

Best regards.
Petra A. Vorwig 
Steptoe & Johnson LLP 
1330 Connecticut Ave., NW 
Washington, DC 20036-1795 
Tel: (202) 429-6417 
Fax: (202) 429-3902 



The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for
the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named above. This
message may be an attorney-client communication and as such is
privileged and confidential. If the reader of this message is not the
intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the
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Attachments

HITN Comments on ARRA NTIA RUS Broadband Stimulus Programs

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Please accept these comments on behalf of the Hispanic Information and
Telecommunications Network

 

Should you have any questions please contact:

 

Contact:  Joe Dolan

Office:  646-731-3635

E-mail: jdolan@hitn.org

 

Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network

Building #292, Suite #211 

63 Flushing Avenue, Unit 281 

Brooklyn, NY 11205-1078

 

 

Rob Schill

Director of Federal Affairs, e-Copernicus

(Executive Director, VTIC)

317 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Suite 200

Washington, D.C. 20002

Direct: 202-292-4604

Attachments

HITN Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Stimulus Programs.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:35:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative
Address:	2121 Cooperative Way
	Herndon, VA 20171

See attached.

Attachments

DBC-NRTC Commerce-Ag Stimulus Comments 4-13-09.PDF

California Administrative Office of the Courts - Broadband Comments

2009-04-14T14:02:00Z

Dear NTIA - Please find attached two documents.

1) California Administrative Office of the Courts comments on the Broadband Grant Programs
(Word format)

2) An appendix
(pdf format)


Sincerely,

Catharine Price
Catharine Price
Senior Court Services Analyst
Promising and Effective Programs (PEP) Unit
Executive Office Programs Division
Administrative Office of the Courts
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102-3688
Phone: 415-865-7783, Fax: 415-865-4330
cat.price@jud.ca.gov
www.courtinfo.ca.gov

"Serving the courts for the benefit of all Californians"



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Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:34:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Iowa Health System, Inc.
Law firm:	Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, LLP
Attorney:	Douglas G. Bonner
Email:	dbonner@sonnenschein.com
Address:	1301 K Street, N.W.
	East Tower, Suite 600
	Washington, D.C., DC 20005

Please find attached the Comments of Iowa Health System, Inc. in response to the Joint Request for Information.

Attachments

WDCLIB1-25296495-Iowa Health Care comments on RFI.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:34:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable
Email:	Kerri.DeYoung@state.ma.us
Address:	Two South Station, 4th Floor
	Boston, MA 02110

Attached please find a copy of the joint comments of the Vermont Department of Public Service, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, and the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:33:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bonnie Lorang
Email:	blorang@mitstel.com
Address:	2021 Eleventh Avenue, Suite 12
	Helena, MT 59601

See comments attached.

Attachments

09 Apr 13 ARRA MITS Cmts FINAL.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:28:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Luc Miron
Email:	lmiron@state.pa.us
Address:	207 Finance Building
	Harrisburg, PA 17120

Please find attached written response from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor's Office of Administration, related to joint RFI issuance from NTIA/RUS re [Docket No. 090309298-9299-01].

(resubmission)

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:26:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	AlphaStar International . www.alphastar.com
Attorney:	Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt
Address:	88 South Water St.
	Greenwich, CT 06830

A comparison among Backbone Networks
Hybrid WiMax/Satellite (AlphaStar) Vs. Pure Two Way Satellite (Hughes Net) Vs. Fiber (Global crossing)
According to Mr. Mark G. Seifert, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of NTIA, The first two goals of NTOP are:
1-Employment
2-Closing the broadband gap â€œWe, therefore, want to extend high-capacity pipes closer to users in rural, remote, and underserved communities. As Congress has instructed, other entities will be able to connect to those pipes, which will spur competition and get service to people and businesses. a€ AlphaStar (www.alphastar.com ) is proposing a creative network to meet the goals of employment and deployment IMMEDIATELY.
AlphaStar is proposing an IP based hybrid network which uses WiMax to the user and satellite for backhaul purposes only. AlphaStar developed and deployed this model since the year 2000. It is simple network to deploy, consisting of a satellite dish on a tower or a high building to send and receive data from satellites attached to WiMax antenna to send and receive data to the final user. The final user needs only to have a wireless device to receive access and most of these devices are self installed.
AlphaStar network idramaticallyly different and it is much improved over the current pure two way satellite broadband in the market today (for example, Hughes Network)
First. The two-way satellite network requires the installationon of a dish and set-top box at the final user’s premises. This increases the cost to the provider and consumer. The hybrid network does not require a dish and set top box at the final user premises. This eliminates all the associated cost to the consumer and the provider. Accordingly the hybrid network makes the cost of consumer access more affordable than the pure satellite networks in the market today both in capital expenditure to connect and the cost of the monthly access. It follows that the AlphaStar hybrid model offers more affordable service than the pure satellite model deployed in the market today and hence encourage more users to connect.
Second. The hybrid model allows the mobility of the users whether they use WiMax or Wi-Fi as it integrates seamlessly with the end user wireless devices.
Third. AlphaStar believes that the optimal use for satellite is push technology. The hybrid model includes an extensive caching mechanism. The end user will interact with the cache most of the time except when the cache calls for information from the satellite. This also cuts cost since satellite time is used for caching purposes only. This cost saving would make it affordable for the user. Further the use of local cache minimizes the latency of pure satellite networks.
Fourth. AlphaStar model is based on leasing bandwidth from satellite companies. It gives AlphaStar flexibility in the selection and use of the appropriate band ( Ku ,C, Ka and L bands , fixed and mobile satellite systems ) , location and freedom from the enormous cost of launching satellite constellation. It also allows the leasing of bandwidth on demand. Again that is a cost saving that can be passed to the users and encourages them to connect to thInternetet.
Meanwhile the hybrid network is more superior to the fiber and legacy networks. For example Global Crossing correctly states in a comment on this forum â€œThe high-capacity pipes referred to by Mr. Seifert are commonly known as the middle-mile facilities that connect rural carriers to the Internet. Typically, these middle-mile facilities are the sole connection available to the Internet and can span literally hundreds of milesâ€ Global Crossing concludes that the cost of for fiber companies or laying down legacy IPv4 dual stack is â€œexorbitantâ€ and â€œIn order to provide access to broadband service to consumers residing in unserved areas of the United States, Global Crossing would have to deploy middle-mile facilities on a purely speculative basis€
AlphaStar is definitely a high-capacity pipe on the sky in parallel to those underground and can totally bypass all of the terrestrial networks and still provide broadband to the entire country instantly. AlphaStar is truly the middle mile facility that the sole connection between the intent and EVERWHERE in the homeland. Satellite multicast to the nation and operates independently of all of the legacy networks. The AlphaStar hybrid network of terrestrial/satellite is neither exorbitant nor speculative. First it is deployed without major capital expenditure in advance. Unlike the fiber networks The AlphaStar network is not based on the risky notion of â€œbuild it and they will comeâ€. Second, AlphaStar network is built on an incremental basis. The cost of setting up a location is few thousand dollars and dishes can be moved among different markets depending on need or demand. It follows that the model is not speculative since the supply follows demand without the huge capital expenditure required for laying out fiber. The major cost is satellite time and that is also incremental and the cost is affordable today. Third, unlike fiber the AlphaStar network can be deployed within weeks not years without digging and associated delays. Finally, deployment of the AlphaStar network follows employment. People can be hired in these high unemployment communities immediately and broadband would be provided in matter of days or weeks from hiring. The economics of the hybrid network will induce higher adoption in the rural markets as desired by the stimulus bill.
Global Crossing also correctly urges â€œthe NTIA and USDA to establish a process whereby last-mile providers and middle-mile providers can be paired up in support of a more complete effort to provide broadband service to unserved areasâ€. AlphaStar joins Global Crossing in making this request. AlphaStar is seeking partners, JV with rural wireless companies, Telcos and cable systems. Entrepreneurs are welcome as their initial investment is minimal. Furthermore , Global Crossing and other fiber networks would benefit from peering with AlphaStar at least until their fiber networks are fully deployed. Even few years from now, fully deployed fiber networks still will need AlphaStar redundancy given the vast areas to be covered and need for prudent disaster recovery in rural communities.
www.alphastar.com
Email contact
teleport@alphastar.com
Phone
203 979 2700

Attachments

AlphaStar PP Presentation[1] Broadband Comments.pptx

Comments of Utopian Wireless Corporation Docket number 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Dear Sir or Madam: 

Please find attached the Comments of Utopian Wireless Corporation filed in Docket number 090309298-9299-01.  These comments were also filed through the Web comment filing system.

Please contact me with any questions.  Thank you.

Sincerely, 

Clare C. Liedquist
Utopian Wireless Corporation
www.utopianwireless.com
VP, Licensee Relations
Tel:  (240) 821-9700, ext. 203
Fax:  (301) 656-2328

Attachments

Utopian Comment to NTIA Request Dckt No. 090309298-9299-01.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:24:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	City and County of San Francisco
Attorney:	Brian Roberts
Email:	brian.roberts@sfgov.org
Address:	Department of Technology
	1 South Van Ness Avenue, Second Floor
	San Francisco, CA 94103

Comment Attached

Attachments

NTIA BTOP Comment San Francisco Final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:24:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Patrick Barringer
Email:	pb@telinknetworks.com
Address:	10105 E. Via Linda, Suite # 386
	Scottsdale, AZ 85258

In the more rural Western states, like Arizona, there is an initial challenge even getting the infrastructure facilities built to allow to for end user broadband access. The rough terrain and cost to dig fiber make wireless deployment a logical choice.

We would suggest prioritizing projects for funding that establish a statewide backbone where none exists, as well as preferring projects that assist Public Safety, E-911 and Education to make the greatest impact. (The western half of the Grand Canyon, an international tourist destination, does not even have cell phone coverage to allow for emergency calls or GPS tracking of lost or injured individuals.)

In Arizona, there is a great need to coordinate the 15 Counties and Tribal Governments with their Emergency Systems, their justice systems, and overall government efficiency to serve the public better. The free market will then be able to access and utilize a federally-funded backbone, which serves all its taxpayers first by increasing public safety and education opportunities, then brings broadband to the rural population as best suited for each local market.

Thank you for your consideration.
Patrick Barringer
Telink Networks SW, LLC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NBCSL President Calvin Smyre
Address:	444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 622 \|
	Washington, DC 20001

The National Conference of Black Mayors (“NCBM”) , National Black Caucus of State Legislators (“NBCSL”), National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (“NOBEL”), National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (“NBC-LEO”), and National Organization of Black County Officials (“NOBCO”) respectfully submit these comments in response to the above-referenced joint request for information.
The present economic crisis is undeniably the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. African-Americans are disproportionately affected by economic downturns. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 663,000 jobs were lost in March of 2009 , thereby pushing the overall unemployment rate up to 8.5%. The African-American unemployment rate currently stands at a shocking 13.3% , rivaling the total unemployment rate between 1930 and 1931 .
There are many reasons for these disparities. During the 1930s, segregation, Jim Crow laws, and other forms of racism kept many African-Americans out of work. Today, individuals without broadband access are unable to use the internet to apply for jobs online and to develop the skills that are critical for 21st century jobs—21st century jobs that, at a minimum, rely on skills that many of us take for granted, such as using email, web browsers, and standard word processing software. Although we currently lack granular broadband mapping data to illustrate the relationship between broadband adoption rates and quarterly employment trends, a 2008 Pew Research Center study indicated that the rate of home broadband adoption amongst African-Americans was just 43% in April of 2008, compared to 55% of adults overall. Therefore, it would be quite a risky gamble to conclude that African-American unemployment rates can be improved without assigning priority status to low-income rural and urban communities.
While President Roosevelt’s New Deal successfully led to a recovery in the overall economy, it left African-American workers and businesses largely on the sidelines. We cannot afford for that to happen again. Thus, we ask that NTIA and RUS consider the following:
Meaningful Broadband Mapping
Ongoing, longitudinal, and granular broadband mapping studies, with poverty, unemployment, race and language data at the street level to track the geographic imprint of de facto segregation, are critical for identifying unserved and underserved communities. Without this data, government agencies will be unable to assess the extent of broadband coverage and target strategies to maintain the broadband infrastructure.

Public-Private Partnerships and Broadband Technology Plans
State and local government leaders are in the best position to understand the needs of their communities and the ways in which broadband can best stimulate their regional economies. Thus, NTIA and RUS should award grants to states or regional public-private partnerships. Further, NTIA and RUS should encourage each state to create a broadband technology plan with specific benchmarks for ensuring the deployment needs of priority areas.

Asssigning the Highest Priority to First Class Service to Unserved and Underserved Communities
NTIA and RUS should assign priority consideration to proposals that address service disparities in unserved and underserved communities.

Funding for HBCUs
NTIA and RUS should award funding to HBCUs that assist in correcting broadband service disparities.

Defining Underserved and Unserved Communities
In defining underserved and unserved communities, NTIA and RUS should account for factors such as poverty, unemployment, race and language.

Broadband Adoption in Minority and Low-Income Communities
The highest priority for broadband adoption grants should be assigned to stimulating broadband adoption and telecom literacy for low income, minority communities.

Accountability and Transparency in the Broadband Deployment Process
NTIA and RUS should coordinate projects so as to eliminate potential waste and redundancy. Coverage maps must be made available to the public online to allow the public to comment and ensure accountability.
Infrastructure projects of this magnitude are rare, which is why this must be done right. Millions of Americans, due to a lack of access to broadband, are effectively excluded, marginalized, and inhibited from applying for and acquiring the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Access to digital tools of socio-economic and political empowerment, like those provided by broadband infrastructure and applications, could reduce healthcare disparities, improve the quality of education for African Americans and provide greater entrepreneurial and job creation opportunities in our communities. By taking these steps, the administration would exponentially expand the long-term impact of the one-time allocation of economic stimulus dollars.
We strive to ensure that our constituents are full beneficiaries of the promise and potential of America’s increasingly digital economy. It is our hope that NTIA and RUS will act on this opportunity to ensure that broadband is built out to all Americans, by all Americans, and for the benefit of all Americans.
Sincerely,

President Senator Margaret Carter
National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women
President Representative Calvin Smyre
National Black Caucus of State Legislators

President City Commissioner Daisy Lynum
National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials

Executive Director Linda Haithcox
National Organization of Black County Officials

Executive Director Vanessa Williams
National Conference of Black Mayors

Attachments

ACF7B02.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T13:58:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brian Ponte
Law firm:	Hogan & Hartson LLP
Attorney:	Michele C. Farquhar
Email:	mcfarquhar@hhlaw.com
Address:	Lemko Corporation
	1700 Golf Road
	Shaumburg, IL 60173

Please see attached file.

Attachments

Lemko Corp RFI Response.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Richard Taylor
Address:	c/o e-Copernicus
	317 Massachusetts Ave, NE
	Washington, DC 20002

Advanced Emergency Communications Coalition comments on ARRA NTIA RUS Broadband Programs

Attachments

AECC Comments on ARRA NTIA RUS Broadband Programs.PDF

Docket No. 090309298-9299-01, Comments of the Rural Independent Competitive Alliance

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Attached is the response of the Rural Independent Competitive Alliance
("RICA")  to the March 9, 2009 Joint Request for Information of NTIA and
RUS.   RICA's member rural competitive local exchange carriers appreciate
the opportunity to comment on this vital matter.



I would be happy to discuss further any of the issues addressed.



Stephen G. Kraskin
Communications Advisory Counsel
2154 Wisconsin Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel. 202-333-1770
Fax 202-333-5274

Attachments

RICA. NTIA RUS Broadband ARRA Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:02:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Perry LaForge
Email:	plaforge1@cdg.org
Address:	575 Anton Blvd.
	Suite 560
	Costa Mesa, CA 92660

The CDMA Development Group (CDG) is submitting these comments in response to the Joint Request for Information released on March 10, 2009 by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agricultures’ Rural Utility Service (RUS) concerning the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). See attached.

Attachments

CDG Comments to NTIA 13APR2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Nicoleh.robinson@cityofhouston.net
Email:	nicoleh.robinson@cityofhouston.net
Address:	500 McKinney
	Houston, TX 77002

Please see attached.

Attachments

ACF7AF8.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T05:01:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ted S. Moninski
Email:	ted.moninski@acsalaska.com
Address:	600 Telephone Ave.
	MS 60
	Anchorage, AK 99503

See attached

Attachments

ACSResponseNTIA 4.13.2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bertney Langley
Email:	blangley@coushattatribela.org
Address:	Post Office Box 10
	Elton, LA 70532

Please see attched pdf

Attachments

ACF7AF0.pdf

Cellular South -- BTOP Comments

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Attached, please find the Comments of Cellular South to the Joint
Request for Information on the Broadband Technology Opportunities
Program.  The Comments are being submitted in both PDF and Word formats.
If you have any trouble with the attachments, please let me know.

 

 

Eric B. Graham | Vice President of Government Relations | Cellular
South, Inc.

1018 Highland Colony Parkway | Suite 300 | Ridgeland, MS 39157

Office 601.974.7601 | Fax 601.974.7199 | www.cellularsouth.com

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Harlin R. McEwen
Email:	chiefhrm@pubsaf.com
Address:	1101 K Street, NW
	Suite B100
	Washington, DC 20005

See attached file.

Attachments

PSST BTOP Comments (04-13-09).pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bill Weber, Chief Administrative Officer, Cbeyond Inc.
Address:	320 Interstate North Parkway, SE
	Suite 300
	Atlanta, GA 30339

Attached below

Attachments

Broadband Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mahaska Communication Group
Email:	frank.hansen@mahaska.org
Address:	210 South D Street
	PO Box 1038
	Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Mahaska Communication Group respectfully submits the attached document as our comments to the NTIA and RUS.

Attachments

MCG BTOP Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Communications Workers of America
Attorney:	Debbie Goldman
Email:	dgoldman@cwa-union.org
Address:	501 Third St NW
	Washington, DC 20001

file attached

Attachments

Communications Workers of America Comments - NTIA-RUS.pdf

Broadband build-out comment

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Please see the attachment detailing my comments about wireless technologies. The attachment is MS Word version 2002, titled NTIA comment.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Steen Hviid

Attachments

NTIACommentApr09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael M. Philpot
Email:	mphilpot@wtia.org
Address:	Michael M. Philpot
	26 Conrad Drive
	Jackson, TN 38305

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The Broadband Data Improvement Act is an important opportunity for rural west Tennessee to achieve a new start in its goal of stimulating economic growth through the online economy.
In this regard we would like to recommend the funding of the 21st Century Online Jobs Creation Program as proposed by cTechnology, Inc. of Nashville, TN through the proposed NTIA Sustainable Broadband Adoption Grant mechanism.
cTechnology’s program holds strong promise to foster sustainable broadband adoption and also radically change the hopes for economic success in the region by creating online jobs for the region's young people. The region is experiencing a high loss rate of its young people to urban communities and lack of economic opportunity is the primary cause.
Combining broadband availability with a direct link to online economic opportunity hold a strong potential for radically changing our region for the good. cTechnology has already proven to be an innovative and committed partner for west Tennessee and has the strong support of many regional and state leaders.
We ask that this program be given strong funding consideration for the future of our rural Tennessee communities. The youth in our rural areas are dependent on an opportunity like to in order to be prepared for future employment opportunities.

Sincerely,

Michael M. Philpot, CEcD
Executive Director

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mimi Pickering
Email:	mpickering@appalshop.org
Address:	91 Madison Ave
	Whitesburg, KY 41858

comments attached

Attachments

ACF7ADB.doc

ARRA Broadband Comments for Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Please accept our ARRA Broadband Comments for Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.

Thank you.


Diane R. Lachel
Government and Community Relations Manager
Click! Network I Tacoma Power I www.click-network.com
3628 South 35th Street I Tacoma, WA 98409-3129
253.502.8537 (o) I 253.732.6696 (c)
dlachel@click-network.com




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Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NBCSL, NABCO, NBC-LEO, NOBEL Women, NCBM
Address:	444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 622
	Washington, DC 20001

see attached

Attachments

2009 Joint NTIA BTOP Comments 4.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kelley Shields
Law firm:	Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP
Address:	1200 Eighteenth Street NW
	Washington, DC 20036

3G Americas Comments

Attachments

3G America Comments to NTIA and RUS 4.13.09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Connected Nation
Email:	pbrown@connectednation.org
Address:	444 North Capitol Street
	Suite 224
	Washington, DC 20001

Comments relating to P.L. 111-5 and P.L. 110-385 are attached.

Attachments

Policy Filing for NTIA_2009 04 13_with Attachments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bruce R. Byrd, Vice President & General Counsel--Washington
Email:	bruce.byrd@att.com
Address:	1133 21st Street, NW
	Suite 900
	Washington, DC 20036

Please find attached the comments of AT&T Inc.

Attachments

AT&T_Comments_to_NTIA-RUS_re_BTOP_(4-13-09).pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Marjorie Dickman
Email:	marjorie.dickman@intel.com
Address:	Intel Corporation
	1634 I Street NW, Suite 300
	Washington, DC 20009

Attachment below

Attachments

INTEL COMMENTS to NTIA_RUS 4-13-09 FINAL.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bertney Langley
Email:	blangley@coushattatribela.org
Address:	Post Office Box 10
	Elton, LA 70532

Please see attached pdf for comments.

Attachments

BTOP_comments.pdf

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

It is our pleasure to submit this letter in response to the Joint Request for Information released March 10, 2009 by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service (RUS) concerning the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).




      Douglas M. Williams
      Founder and CEO
      RF CHECK Incorporated
      2658 Del Mar Heights Rd. #274
      Del Mar, CA 92014
      Ofc: 877.RF.CHECK - Cell: 619.840.5548
      E-Mail: doug@rfcheck.com

Attachments

Recommendations

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

Eric,

Thank you for sharing your comments directly with the Office of Native
American Programs at USDA. I just want to be sure that you have posted
these comments formally, as prescribed in the federal register notice? 

(I apologize for not getting back to you via telephone, as I
unexpectedly took personal leave last week to tend to my home in North
Dakota. I stood on top of my car and still could not reach the top of
the snow bank that leads to my driveway. Thankfully, I am not in the
flood area). 

We look forward to continuing our dialog on these critical issues.  We
have worked hard with our sister agencies to get the word out to Tribes
to make certain they share their comments, concerns, solutions and
ideas. 

Thank you, 

Dawn Charging 

 

Dawn M. Charging -"Buffalo Woman"

w w w w w w w w w w

Director-Office of Native American Programs

United States Department of Agriculture

Office of the Secretary - Suite 544 A 

1400 Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC  20250 - 0160

w w w w w w w w

Direct line: (202)-720-7376

Fax: (202) 720-7170

Cellular: (202) 731-3273 

dawn.charging@usda.gov

 

 

________________________________

From: eljensen@comcast.net [mailto:eljensen@comcast.net] 
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 4:39 PM
To: btop@ntia.doc.gov
Cc: eljensen@comcast.net; William.Kehoe@fcc.gov;
Tedd.Buelow@one.usda.gov; Kenneth.Kuchno@one.usda.gov;
mseifert@ntia.doc.gov; Charging, Dawn
Subject: Tribal rural broadband priority recommendations

 

Barbara: let me take one more revised submission of NTTA's broadbans
stimulus recommendations.  

 

Eric Jensen

Policy Counsel

National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA)
519 Tennessee Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305
(703) 683-3742
pcs: (703) 868-8325

Re: FairPoint Communications Comments to NTIA and RUS

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

thanks
 
Debbie Goldman
Telecommunications Policy Director and Research Economist
Communications Workers of America
501 Third St N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-434-1194 (phone)
202-434-1201 (fax)
dgoldman@cwa-union.org 


>>> "Landry, Andrew"  4/13/2009 4:12 PM >>>


Enclosed for filing please find the Comments of FairPoint
Communications, Inc. and Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC,
d/b/a FairPoint Communications-NNE (collectively âFairPoint
Communicationsâ) to NTIA and RUS regarding Recovery Act broadband
programs.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free
to contact me at (207) 791-3191 or alandry@preti.com.


Andrew Landry, Esq. 
Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios 
45 Memorial Circle, PO Box 1058 
Augusta, ME  04332-1058 
Tel.  207.623.5300 
Fax  207.623.2914 
<> <> 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In accordance with Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we hereby
advise you that if this E-mail or any attachment hereto contains any tax
advice, such tax advice was not intended or written to be used, and it
cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties
that may be imposed on the taxpayer by the Internal Revenue Service.

This E-Mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential
and / or exempt from discovery or disclosure under applicable law. 
Unintended transmission shall not constitute waiver of the
attorney-client or any other privilege.  If you are not the intended
recipient of this communication, and have received it in error, please
do not distribute it and notify me immediately by E-mail at
ALandry@preti.com or via telephone at 207-791-3000 and delete the
original message.  Unless expressly stated in this e-mail, nothing in
this message or any attachment should be construed as a digital or
electronic signature or as a legal opinion.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joe Dolan
Email:	jdolan@hitn.org
Address:	Building #292, Suite 211
	63 Flushing Avenue, Unit 281
	Brooklyn, NY 11205-1078

HITN Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Stimulus Programs

RE: Commonwealth of PA submission [Docket No. 090309298-9299-01]

2009-04-14T14:00:00Z

It appears that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania electronic submission (copy attached) timestamped at 4:22pm on NTIA web site did not upload properly.  The PDF attachment converted into something completely illegible.  Link to defective upload is here:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comment.cfm?e=AD88809A-9BEB-4A37-8540-0D42AADC1D64

I have re-submitted the Governor's Office submission.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.

Luc M Miron JD MBA
Governor's Office of Administration
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
717-533-3745
lmiron@state.pa.us





_____________________________________________
From:   Miron, Luc
Sent:   Monday, April 13, 2009 4:22 PM
To:     'BTOP@ntia.doc.gov'
Subject:        Commonwealth of PA submission [Docket No. 090309298-9299-01]

NTIA/RUS.

Please find attached written response from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor's Office of Administration, related to joint RFI issuance from NTIA/RUS re [Docket No. 090309298-9299-01].

Comments have also been electronically posted on NTIA website.

Thanks for your consideration of this matter.


Luc M. Miron JD MBA
Governor's Office of Administration
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA  17120
717-533-3745

 << File: 04 13 2009 FINAL SIGNED Response to NTIA - RUS Notice.pdf >>


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M5Ede3/7v0/101pNnAygwqSDWwswGV/9v+I66F/5b0Iuh96j3oV/5ef6fmHsP/mcio/6/X4j7vu+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segTEL Comment Filing NTIA/RUS Docket #090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T13:58:00Z

On behalf of segTEL, Inc., attached are segTEL's comments for submission in
NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.  Please contact me if you have any
questions concerning this filing.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Katz
Chief Executive Officer
segTEL, Inc.

Attachments

segTEL NTIA-RUS comments-3.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Marilyn Toppins
Email:	toppinsm@ucps.org
Address:	112 East Mountain View Road
	Corryton, TN 37721

Marilyn Toppins
112 East Mountain View Road
Corryton, Tennessee 37721

April 13, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Marilyn Toppins,
Union County Committee
Connected Tennessee
Marilyn Toppins
112 East Mountain View Road
Corryton, Tennessee 37721

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	WildBlue Communications, Inc.
Attorney:	David M. Brown
Email:	dbrown@wildbluecorp.com
Address:	5970 Greenwood Plaza Blvd.
	Suite 300
	Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Comment Attached.

Attachments

WildBlue_HNS_Intelsat_NRTC Comments to NTIA_RUS RFI.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Russell H. Fox
Law firm:	Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Attorney:	Russell H. Fox
Email:	rhfox@mintz.com
Address:	701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
	Ste. 900
	Washington, DC 20004

Broadpoint, Inc.'s comments are attached. Please contact Russell Fox, Counsel for Broadpoint, Inc., at 202-434-7300 with any questions concerning this filing.

Attachments

NTIA Comments 4.13.2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	T. Scott Thompson
Law firm:	Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Attorney:	T. Scott Thompson
Email:	ScottThompson@dwt.com
Address:	1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
	Suite 200
	Washington, DC 20006

Please see attached PDF file containing the Comments of NextG Networks, Inc.

Attachments

NextG Comments to NTIA and RUS in BTOP Rulemaking.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Nicole H. Robinson
Email:	nicoleh.robinson@cityofhouston.net
Address:	500 McKinney
	Houston, TX 77002

Please see attached.

Attachments

HHCC_Comment_090309298929901.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Lisa Feldner, CIO
Email:	lfeldner@nd.gov
Address:	600 East Boulevard Ave., Dept. 112
	Bismarck, ND 58505

Please see comments attached.

Attachments

State_of_ND_NTIA_response.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gloria Tristani
Law firm:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Attorney:	Gloria Tristani
Address:	1333 New Hampshire Avenue
	Washington, DC 20036

Comments of National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Attachments

Scan090413180414.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara Dietrich
Address:	350 South Fifth Street
	Room 305M-City Hall
	Minneapolis, MN 55415

See Attached Comments

Attachments

City Minneapolis.pdf

In the Matter of American and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives; Docket No. 090309298-9299-01; Joint Comments of RNK and Wave2Wave in Response to Joint Request for Information

2009-04-14T13:58:00Z

Bernadette McGuire-Rivera

Associate Administrator

Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications



RE:  In the Matter of American and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband
Initiatives; Docket No. 090309298-9299-01; Joint Comments of RNK and
Wave2Wave in Response to Joint Request for Information



Dear Associate Administrator McGuire-Rivera:



Attached please find the Joint Comments of RNK, Inc. d/b/a RNK
Communications and Wave2Wave Communications, Inc. hereby submitted in the
above referenced docket in Word format.



Respectfully,







Matthew Tennis

Counsel


333 Elm St., Suite 310
Dedham, MA 02026
t: 781-613-9148
f: 781-297-9836
  mtennis@rnkcom.com
  www.rnkcom.com



CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE UNAUTHORIZED INTERCEPTION IS PROHIBITED BY LAW The
preceding E-mail message contains information that is confidential, may be
protected by the attorney/client or other applicable privileges, and may
constitute non-public information. It is intended to be conveyed only to the
designated recipient(s). If you are not an intended recipient of this
message, please notify the sender at the above number. Unauthorized use,
dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this message is strictly
prohibited and may be unlawful.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Communications and Technology Class, c/o Lowell Feldman
Address:	The University of Texas School of Law
	727 E. Dean Keeton Street
	Austin, TX 78705

please see attached PDF file. please email Janice Chan at chan.janice.w@gmail.com in case of any problems opening/reading the file.

Attachments

UTLAW.pdf

SIA Comments to NTIA/RUS in Broadband Proceeding

2009-04-14T05:34:00Z

The members of the Satellite Industry Association respectfully submit our joint comments in the attached.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information below, if necessary.

With Regards,
Patricia Cooper
Patricia Cooper
President, Satellite Industry Association
1730 M Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-349-3651
Cell: 202-390-8749
pcooper@sia.org 
www.sia.org
________________________________

Attachments

SIA Broadband Comments to NTIA RUS - 4.13.09 FINAL.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Shawn Kimble
Email:	skimble@lced.net
Address:	PO Box 350
	Halls, TN 38040

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

The Broadband Data Improvement Act is an important opportunity for rural west Tennessee to achieve a new start in its goal of stimulating economic growth through the online economy.

In this regard we would like to recommend the funding of the 21st Century Online Jobs Creation Program as proposed by cTechnology, Inc. of Nashville, TN through the proposed NTIA Sustainable Broadband Adoption Grant mechanism.

cTechnology’s program holds strong promise to foster sustainable broadband adoption and also radically change the hopes for economic success in the region by creating online jobs for the region's young people. The region is experiencing a high loss rate of its young people to urban communities and lack of economic opportunity is the primary cause.

Combining broadband availability with a direct link to online economic opportunity hold a strong potential for radically changing our region for the good. cTechnology has already proven to be an innovative and committed partner for our region and has the strong support of many regional and state leaders.
We ask that this program be given strong funding consideration for the future of our rural Tennessee communities.

Sincerely,

Shawn Kimble

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kent D. Bressie
Law firm:	Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP
Attorney:	Kent D. Bressie
Email:	kbressie@harriswiltshire.com
Address:	1200 18th Street, N.W.
	Suite 1200
	Washington, DC 20036

Comments attached.

Attachments

Tyco Telecom Comments on NTIA-RUS RFI.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Matthew R. Rantanen
Law firm:	Matthew Rantanen
Attorney:	Matthew Rantanen
Email:	mrantanen@sctdv.net
Address:	P.O. Box 1470
	Valley Center, CA 92082

As Director of Technology for the Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association, and it's members, ALL the tribes in San Diego County, Cahuilla and Chemehuevi, it is my duty to present you with (3) points to support your efforts in deploying Broadband funding to the masses to connect more Americans to access.

(1) The Tribal Reservations in the United States of American are "unserved" and "underserved" by definition, and should not have qualify for, or have to prove their status. They are Native American Tribal Reservations, and they are "unserved" and "underserved."

(2) In Regards to # 1, there should be a separate application, or a box to check that allows tribal to avoid the unnecessary steps to prove your rurality and underserved nature, based on non-reservation statistics.

(3) The current FCC broadband definition is inappropriate, and anyone that can perform at 1Mbs up/down should not qualify, but broadband should not be defined as this. Incumbents that don't want to expend resources for improvement and advancement will not advance as fast if you set a benchmark that they already have received. There needs to be a sliding scale with 1Mbs as floor.

Respectfully,

Matthew R. Rantanen

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Texas Statewide Telephone Coop., Inc.
Email:	tstci@tstci.org
Address:	5929 Balcones Dr., Suite 200
	Austin, TX 78731

Please see attached comments of Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

Attachments

TSTCI_Broadband-Stimulus.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Robert M. Pickett, Chairman
Email:	rca.mail.alaska.gov
Address:	701 West Eighth Avenue
	Suite 300
	Anchorage, AK 99501-3469

Comments attached.

Attachments

RCA NTIA Comments final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gloria Tristani
Law firm:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Attorney:	Gloria Tristani
Address:	1333 New Hampshire Avenue
	Washington, DC 20036

Comments of National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	MLB Advanced Media, L.P.
Address:	75 Ninth Avenue, 5th Floor
	New York, NY 10011

Per instructions contained in the Department of Commerce and Department of Agriculture Notice: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives, dated March 9, 2009, I attach
comments of MLB Advanced Media, L.P.

Attachments

ACF7A6A.pdf

BTOP RFI Response - SDF Consortium, LLC

2009-04-14T05:30:00Z

Attachments

A Team of EAGLES LLC: Tribal Sustainability

2009-04-14T05:31:00Z

Salutations,

My name is George Rogers III, I am a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and
CEO to Bestin Broadband Inc, Consultant and General Contractor to the
Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmen's Health Board.

Here is my abbreviated input to the panel as our information is designed to
garner further input from your offices.

Please review our progress thus far and understand our intent to become a
viable resource for your offices in the very near future in regard to Indian
Country Technology.

This information has been shared and discussed with the FCC Tribal Liaison
office and is understood to be potentially viable.  It will be submitted to
the FCC as an item adress ITEM #4 in the current FCC RFI...

It is shared with you here as an example our our capabilities as a combined
force currently in place within Indian Country. However, we feel the actual
responsible agency is the DOI, thus it is addressed to the DOI Scty. as a
way to start the ball moving....

All supporting documentation was developed from October 08 Forward with
Direct intention of intersecting with the process now currently underplace.
The information has been reviewed by our team as also being viable and
potentially economically cost savings an issue we by necessity are forced to
consider, which results in a more sustainable model for the country in
regards to Telehealth Coverage.

We are looking forward to further discussions.

Kindest Regards,
George Rogers III
720.404.5408

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Eric Freesmeier, COO
Email:	eric@pulsebroadband.net
Address:	112 Highgrove Lane
	Chesterfield, MO 63005

Pulse Broadband, www.pulsebroadband.net, a Missouri company headquartered in St. Louis, with offices in Texas and New Mexico appreciates the opportunity to offer the attached comments to the NTIA. Pulse constructs and operates next generation fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology. Our FTTH technology is a full last mile fiber solution. Our patented architecture is significantly less expensive to build and maintain than other full fiber solutions, without sacrificing bandwidth scalability or reliability. This means that advanced services can be deployed profitably in rural settings. In addition to the FTTH technology solution, our turn-key management company partners with rural companies, cooperatives and municipalities serving rural customers to help them deploy and manage advanced telecommunications services and give members access to best-in-class broadband Internet, telephone and television services.

Attachments

Pulse Broadband - NTIA Public Comment 041309.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Elisabeth Williams
Email:	ewilliams2@adena.org
Address:	272 Hospital Road
	Chillicothe, OH 45601

Broadband Technology Initiative
Dear Policy Makers:

Adena Health system is a active participant and leader in the Southern Ohio Health Care Network, a consortium of health care providers. Over the last several years, the network has developed a project to create a broadband network encompassing a service area of 15 rural counties that includes nine of the 10 most impoverished counties in Ohio and will serve 19 federally qualified health clinics, eight critical access hospitals, and 11 rural health clinics. The Network will allow area providers to participate in statewide unified healthcare information efforts, enhance sustainability of rural medicine practices, develop deeper collaboration among healthcare providers, enhance emergency communications to improve regional or national coordination, and support a progressive community health record project and efforts for the creation of a regional health information organization.

The network supports efforts to the already distressed Appalachian region of Ohio. Please make every effort to ensure funding to a project that has state, community and provider support so that our efforts can be fully accomplished to benefit our rural communities.

Thank you for your consideration.

Elisabeth Williams, Chief Strategic Officer, Adena Health System

Web Form Comment

2009-04-14T00:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gateway to Gov, Inc.
Email:	lou@communityfiberproject.net
Address:	PO Box 4342
	New York, NY 10163-4342

(If improperly formatted, please see attachment)

NTIA BTOP Public Comments - Docket Number 090309298-9299-01

Hello NTIA and RUS Administrators,

I hope you’ve been enjoying reading the nearly 1000 comments as much as I, and in the interest of time, I’ll try to keep my comments concise -

Please consider the following:

1. Giving priority to optical deployments - the speed at which of optical fiber can be lit is unlikely to be matched, or exceeded, by any other type of connection, wireless, copper or otherwise, in the next decade and can be scaled to nearly infinite speeds.

2. Giving priority to those who expand the reach, scope and capacity of non-commercial middle-mile networks, in particular those of -
a. Research and Educational Networks (RENs) - Support the expansion of RENs by enabling the direction participation of community-based organizations in the local, state and national RENs.
b. Institution Fiber Nets (iNet) - iNets should be encouraged to provide middle-mile backhaul to local community initiatives. Those that have usage agreements prohibiting these types of arrangements should be forced to revise these arrangements prior to receiving BTOP funding.

3. Giving priority to projects that address a community’s needs much like that of college campuses – enabling symmetrical near-wirespeed connectivity between all participants.

In conclusion, it is my hope that the BTOP program will be considered a venture investment in non-profit community-centric initiatives, which as public charities, will reinvest 100% of their assets into the growth and stability of the.

Since there are few if any significant non-profit telecommunications providers providing community-wide services, it is my hope that NTIA and RUS administrators will be supportive of new non-profit entrants who are actively scaling up to meet this challenge.

Many thanks for your time and attention, great job on the program so far and I look forward to speaking with some of you soon –

Best,
- Lou

Louis S. Klepner
Founder, NYC Community Fiber Project
lou@communityfiberproject.net
212-796-0853

Attachments

NTIA Comments – Community Fiber Project.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rural Internet and Broadband Policy Group
Email:	edyael@ruralstrategies.org
Address:	46 East Main St
	Whitesburg, KY 41858

The Rural Internet and Broadband Policy Group respectfully submits the attached document as our comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural Utilities Service.

Attachments

Rural Broadband Principles and Comments to NTIA and RUS.pdf

Comments of ADTRAN, Inc.

2009-04-14T05:04:00Z

Pursuant to the Public Notice published in the March 12, 2009 Federal
Register, attached are the comments of ADTRAN, Inc. on the issue of
defining "broadband," including an Appendix addressing latency and a
detailed analysis of "broadband" in the form of a White Paper published
by ADTRAN.

 

Stephen L. Goodman

Butzel Long Tighe Patton, PLLC

1747 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Suite 300

Washington, D.C.  20006

(202) 454-2851 - Office

(202) 607-6756 - Cell

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Paul Budde Communications Pty Ltd
Email:	paul@budde.com.au
Address:	5385 George Downes Drive
	Bucketty NSW 2250, Australia, OTHER na

As noted following the Conclusion, this document reflects extensive review, analysis and the collective judgment of an international team of leaders in the communications industries whose experience spans technical, financial, economic and legal arenas. As such, it is not presented as representative of any one national government, carrier, academic institution, legal practice or consultancy, but rather as the collective and agreed upon view of many individuals who remain committed to the health of the world’s electronic communications infrastructure.

Attachments

NTIACommentsofBigThinkStrategies.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Heather Tannehill-Plamondon, Intergovernmental Affairs
Email:	heather.tannehill-plamondon@sfgov.org
Address:	10 Lombard Street
	Suite 410
	San Francisco, CA 94111

Please see the attached letter.

Attachments

ntia uasi comments 041309.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joe Naftel
Email:	sobersteelhead@earthlink.net
Address:	89398 Old Mohawk Rd
	Springfield, OR 97478-8714

s the agency considers how best to invest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in broadband deployment, I request that you consider the needs of marginalized rural communities.

1. Please use these public funds to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. We should focus public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks.

2. "Unserved" communities should be given funding priority.

3. "Unserved" areas should be defined as places that currently do not have Internet service or have only dial up service. Applicants should include information on how their projects will provide broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for the targeted audience; promote adoption of broadband technology in the target community, and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target community.

4. The agency should be flexible in how it allows applicants to define "underserved." Rather than relying only on geographical boundaries, the applicants should be asked to address the following criteria:

* A - Whether the cost of current broadband services is out of reach for the target population
* B - Whether the current speeds available fail to meet the targeted population's needs for advanced communication services.

Applicants should include information on how their projects will address these price or speed shortfalls. Applicants should also include information on how their projects will promote adoption of broadband technology and collect data about the broadband services provided to the targeted audience.

5. The agency should invest in projects that serve as examples for how the United States can return to leadership in broadband accessibility for its citizens. This includes favoring non-profit, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination.

Comments Montana Independent Telecommunications Systems - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T05:01:00Z

Attached are the comments of Montana Independent Telecommunications Systems
(MITS) in the above noted docket,  Request for Information on the ARRA 2009
Broadband Initiatives.



Please let me know if there are any questions at all.  Thank you.







Bonnie Lorang

MITS - Montana Independent Telecom Systems

blorang@mitstel.com   406-594-9662 or 406-443-1940



MITS members, providing quality telecommunications service to rural
Montanans  for over fifty years, include Nemont Telephone Cooperative, Inc.,
Project Telephone Co., Triangle Telephone Cooperative, Inc., Central Montana
Communications, Inc., Northern Telephone Cooperative, Inc., InterBel
Telephone Cooperative, Inc., and Mid-Rivers Communications.

Attachments

09 Apr 13 ARRA MITS Cmts FINAL.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Native American Telecom, LLC
Email:	Gene@Dakelyn.com
Address:	6710 E. Split Rock Circle
	Sioux Falls, SD 57110

See Attached Comments

Attachments

nat comments broadband ntia apr 09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	ICEMS, P.O. Box 85699, Tucson, Arizona 85754
Email:	info@icems.eu
Address:	P.O. Box 85699
	Tucson, AZ 85754

see attachment, please

Attachments

ICEMS.ltr_to_USCOmmerce.BTOP Program13.APRIL.09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alan Inouye
Email:	ainouye@alawash.org
Address:	1615 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. 1st Floor
	Washington, DC 20009

See attachment

Attachments

NTIA-RUS-April13-Final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Maine Public Utilities Commission
Attorney:	Andrew S. Hagler
Email:	andrew.s.hagler@maine.gov
Address:	State House Station 18
	242 State St.
	Augusta, ME 04333

See attached letter and information responses.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Thomas Culp
Email:	shops135@live.com
Address:	8681 Davisson Rd
	Mechanicsburg, OH 43044

Our internet speed sucks here. Please help!

FW: Department of Commerce (NTIA) and Department of Agriculture (RUS) Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T05:01:00Z

To the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and
the Rural Utilities Service:

 

On behalf of the Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Association (RIITA), I
offer these comments in this proceeding regarding the Broadband
Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) Grants. RIITA has filed comments
in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) docket in which the FCC
seeks comment on questions related to these grants, in particular with
respect to defining broadband and using an application process that is
both simple and unified across the various federal agencies involved.

 

RIITA's membership consists of approximately 130 small rural telephone
companies. The average size of our members is about 1000 access lines.
Despite their small size, these companies have been in the forefront of
providing high quality broadband and telecommunications services for
years. Virtually all of our members provide high-speed access to the
vast majority of their customers. These companies have rolled out
first-generation broadband and are now moving toward second- and
third-generation broadband, as well as working on serving the small
segment of their customers, which is estimated to be under ten percent,
who live in the very highest-cost areas of their exchanges. In addition,
our companies are already providing strong economic support to their
communities. They support libraries, schools and local organizations.

 

Because of their history of providing rural broadband service, these
companies are especially well-suited to providing rapid implementation
of quality rural broadband services in rural Iowa and should not be
excluded from BTOP by their size. Some already have experience with
Rural Utility Service loans and all have a demonstrated an ability to
provide creative means for delivering broadband services in high-cost
areas of rural Iowa.

 

We ask both the Department of Agriculture and the National
Telecommunications Information Agency to consider keeping the
application process accessible to smaller companies and to provide
opportunities for these smaller companies to participate. In addition,
we ask that you consider supporting carriers of last resort. Our
companies already have an obligation to serve customers with telephone
service throughout our exchanges. As a result, we already have facility
even to the most difficult to serve areas. Because of changes in the way
our companies are compensated, and the shift from voice to data
communications, grant programs are a preferable way to provide service
to these areas. The reason service has not been provided in those
limited areas is because no successful business model justifies the
provision of service. That is the very reason our companies began to
provide service: the Bell System would not build out these communities.
These will be the companies that can meet-and exceed-the Departments'
expectations for this program.

 

We also are willing to provide any information that would be helpful in
continuing this process.

 

Thomas G. Fisher Jr.

Attorney for Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Association

 

 

Thomas G. Fisher Jr.

Parrish Kruidenier Dunn Boles Gribble Parrish Gentry & Fisher L.L.P.

2910 Grand Avenue * Des Moines, Iowa 50312 * Phone: (515) 284-5737 *
Fax: (515) 284-1704

www.Parrishlaw.com  

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail, and any attachments, contains
information that is, or may be, covered by the Electronic Communications
Privacy Act, 18 USC 2510-2521. It is also protected by Attorney-Client
and Work Product Privileges. If you are not the intended recipient,
please be advised that you are legally prohibited from retaining, using,
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DISCLOSURE: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by IRS
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be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties
under the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing or
recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed
herein.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rich Calhoun
Email:	pmoore@gta.ga.gov
Address:	47 Trinity Avenue
	Atlanta, GA 30334

See Attachments

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bennet & Bennet, PLLC
Law firm:	Bennet & Bennet, PLLC
Attorney:	Caressa D. Bennet
Email:	cbennet@bennetlaw.com
Address:	4350 East West Highway, Suite 201
	Bethesda, MD 20814

Referenced Comments are attached in .pdf format.

Attachments

RTG Broadband Comments_FINAL.pdf

15 Questions / Responses

2009-04-14T05:00:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:



My name is Andrew Ramsey and I am writing in response to the 15 questions
issued relative to the BTOP initiative.  I work for Troy Cablevision, Inc.
located in Troy, AL.  Troy Cablevision is currently seeking grant monies
pursuant to the Stimulus Package and the Broadband Technology Opportunities
Program.  We feel like the stimulus package offers an opportunity to fund
broadband projects in rural areas that would otherwise not be financially
feasible.  We currently supply fiber to the home technology in 3 counties of
Southeast Alabama.  Fiber to the home is the most cost effective, high
quality, and efficient means of broadband deployment.  It is our position
that these efforts will allow educational and economic growth potential for
rural children and residents of Southeast Alabama that would rival those
opportunities our urban counterparts currently enjoy.  Construction into the
rural areas will immediately create additional jobs which will have an
ancillary effect of sustaining all the businesses that make up our
communities.  Like the road and highway systems built in this country a
century ago; this new infrastructure will allow the farmers, and citizenry
of the Second Congressional District to take their products to market
nationally and internationally from the comforts of our homes.



Best,



Andrew Ramsey

Troy Cablevision, Inc.

1006 S. Brundidge Street

Troy, AL 36081



Office: 334.770.3359

Cell:    205.535.0398

Attachments

Troy Cable.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Susan Corbett, CEO
Email:	susan.corbett@axiom-tech.net
Address:	4 Main St.
	Machias, ME 04654

Axiom Technologies vision for rural Maine is to have a positive impact on the economy, helping the business community expand capability and revenue. Through growth and development, and the use of technology, Axiom offers businesses substantial development and assistance in all facets of information technology to enable them to compete in a global economy.

In order to affect significant change in any system, utilization of new tools and techniques is necessary. In Maine, a significant challenge facing residents, government and academia alike is the adaption from a natural resource-based economy to one leveraging new technologies in order to create non-traditional jobs. Communications will be the fulcrum by which the difficulty of this task is determined. With it, the task is manageable; without it, potentially impossible.

Axiom Technologies believes that the aggressive and directed application of communications technology can produce a positive effect on both the quality of life for
rural Maine residents as well as bolster productivity and profitability for existing
Maine businesses.

There exists a rural digital divide and rural consumers are not benefiting from broadband services and investment. Rural small businesses use broadband services less than urban small businesses. Broadband services works to facilitate the advancement of innovative applications including online training, public safety, distance learning and telemedicine.
Various studies have concluded that broadband investment and services: Create jobs, increase productivity and economic output and hold down inflation.

Changing the focus of general laborers to technically advanced laborers is a solid step toward economic development. Job training, increasing skills and knowledge and creating new jobs is a natural and positive progression for the business community with the introduction and availability of advanced broadband communications.

Goals:
• Empower business owners
• Reduce operating costs
• Business growth and stability
• Unlock new markets
• Remove fear/instill confidence (technical)
• Enhance survivability
• Make rural economy stable and sustainable
• Encourage new business

Scale: Any Rural Business

• Philosophy: Stabilize and stimulate growth in the rural economy

Methods: Education
– Training of basic technology skills that enable the use of new technology tools
– Skills….use of technology tools leads to change of mindset

The most successful networks and the most creative applications of technology come
from the private sector. The creative heart and soul of America has always lain with its
industrial and business entrepreneurs. Employers need skills and talent to sustain and
grow, from entry-level worker to mid-level managers to highly specialized knowledge
workers. Workforce and economic developers agree that a skilled labor pool is the core of a region’s ability to recruit, retain, and grow a business. People are the driving force behind a business’ growth and success. As we develop and invest in our people and the value of people’s contributions increase; so does the performance capacity of the
business community. By investing in our people, we achieve long-term sustainable growth and meet the economic challenges of our region. People are the source of our success.

It is Axiom’s firm belief that the Economic Stimulus funds for broadband development should include a mission of educating the business community and assisting rural business owners in utilizing the tools that are available to them today.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	CostQuest Associates
Email:	mwilson@costquest.com
Address:	2300 Montana Ave
	Cincinnati, OH 45211

Attached are the comments of CostQuest Associates and the LinkAmerica Alliance.
CostQuest Associates and the LinkAMERICA Alliance believe the advancement of (a) broadband deployment on the supply-side and (b) broadband-based applications on the demand-side are vital enablers to the economic opportunity and quality of life for all Americans. As such we stand in strong support of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) advanced by this proceeding.
CostQuest Associates and the LinkAMERICA Alliance are experienced broadband mapping and assessment firms that encompass all key disciplines including but not limited to broadband mapping, technology deployment assessment, modeling of likely deployment costs, and the identification and assessment of demand-side broadband applications.
Comments are attached hereto.

Attachments

CostQuest_LinkAmerica_BTOP Comments 041309.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bennet & Bennet, PLLC
Law firm:	Bennet & Bennet, PLLC
Attorney:	Donald L. Herman, Jr.
Email:	dherman@bennetlaw.com
Address:	4350 East West Highway, Suite 201
	Bethesda, MD 20814

Referenced Comments are attached in .pdf format.

Attachments

Towerstream Broadband Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brigitte F. Daniel
Email:	bdaniel@wilcoinc.com
Address:	1035 Camphill Road
	Fort Washington, PA 19034

Attached is our submission to the United State Department of Commerce's National Telecommunication and Information Agency.
Attachments

Attachments

Wilco Electronic Systems Inc. - NTIA Comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Shared Spectrum Company
Attorney:	Peter Tenhula
Address:	1595 Spring Hill Road
	Suite 110
	Vienna, VA 22182

Shared Spectrum Company respectfully submits the attached comments in response to the joint Request for Information issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural Utility Service on the implementation of the broadband provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

Attachments

SSC BB Stimulus Comments (4-13-09).pdf

COMMENTS OF CTIA-THE WIRELESS ASSOCIATION(r) - ARRA 2009 Broadband Initiatives - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Please find attached the Comments of CTIA-The Wireless Association(r) regarding the ARRA 2009 Broadband Initiatives, Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.  Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned should you have any questions.

Regards,

Brian M. Josef
Director, Regulatory Affairs
CTIA-The Wireless Association(r)
Expanding the Wireless Frontier
1400 16th Street, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
www.ctia.org
Direct: 202.736.3253  Main: 202.785.0081
Mobile: 202.445.6000  Fax: 202.736.3685


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East River Electric Comments on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Attachments

East River Electric-Comments on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.doc

Comments of the Montana Telecom Assn re: NTIA/RUS Jt. Request for Information. Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Attached, in both Word (.doc) and Adobe (.pdf) formats, are the comments of
the Montana Telecommunications Association (MTA) in response to the joint
request for information of the Departments of Commerce (National
Telecommunications and Information Administration) and Agriculture (Rural
Utilities Service) re: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.

Please feel free to call or reply if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Geoff Feiss
Montana Telecommunications Association
406.442.4316 (office)
406.594.0424 (mobile)



Serving Montana�s telecommunications industry for 55 years

NOTE: this communication may contain confidential and privileged material
not intended for use or dissemination beyond the recipient.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Puerto Rico Telephone Company, Inc.
Attorney:	Francisco Silva
Address:	P.O. Box 360998
	San Juan, PR 00936-0998

See attachment.

Attachments

PRT ARRA COMMENTS.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Harris Corporation
Email:	evan.morris@harris.com
Address:	600 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
	Suite 850E
	Washington, DC 20024

Comment Provided In Attachment

Attachments

NTIA-RUS RFI Comments- Harris Corporation.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bryan Darr
Email:	bryan.darr@americanroamer.com
Address:	5909 Shelby Oaks Drive, Suite 105
	Memphis, TN 38134

Please see attachments.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Attorney
Law firm:	Wiley Rein LLP
Attorney:	Edgar Class
Email:	eclass@wileyrein.com
Address:	1776 K Street NW
	Washington, DC 20006

See Attached Comments

Attachments

Comments of Nevesem Inc.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	J. Kevin McGeary
Email:	kevin.mcgeary@kimballcorp.com
Address:	328 Innovation Blvd.
	Suite 222
	State College, PA 16803

Please see attachment for comments on the Broadband Technology Opportuntities Program from Kimball Consulting

Attachments

DOC090413LLC - Kimball Broadband Stimulus Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Debbie Bermudez
Law firm:	Lasa, Monroig & Veve, LLP
Email:	dbermudez@lmvlaw.com
Address:	1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW
	Suite 200
	Washington, DC, DC 20036

We have noted that the ‘‘American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’’ in the Broadband Technology section, Sec. 6001 of H.R. 1, seems to clearly contemplate Puerto Rico being part of the program. Please refer to Sec. 6001 (c), which provides that “[t]he Assistant Secretary may consult a State, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States.” Please refer also to Sec. 6001 (e), which provides that “[t]o be eligible for a grant under the program, an applicant shall—(1)(A) be a State or political subdivision thereof, the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States.”

Further along, however, the text of the act guarantees one project in every “State,” without specifically mentioning the territories or possessions. Please refer to Sec. 6001 (h), which provides that “[t]he Assistant Secretary, in awarding grants under this section, shall, to the extent practical—(1) award not less than 1 grant in each State.”

We believe that when the act guarantees one project in every “State,” this provision should be interpreted to include the territories or possessions of the United States, including Puerto Rico, because it appears that Congress clearly intended to include Puerto Rico in this program by providing that “the Assistant Secretary may consult a State, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States.”

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:08:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Thomas W. Cohen
Law firm:	Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Attorney:	Thomas W. Cohen
Email:	tcohen@kelleydrye.com
Address:	3050 K Street, N.W.
	Suite 400
	WASHINGTON, DC 20007

Comment is over 10,000 characters. Submitting as attachment.

Attachments

FTTH Comments (NTIA) Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.pdf

BTOP comments - Cox Communications - corrected

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

This message from the law firm of Dow Lohnes PLLC, may contain
confidential or privileged information.  If you received this
transmission in error, please call us immediately at (202)776-2000 or
contact us by E-mail at admin@dowlohnes.com.  Disclosure or use of any
part of this message by persons other than the intended recipient is
prohibited.

________________________________

 
On behalf of our client Cox Communications, Inc., I am transmitting to
you herewith a corrected version of Cox's comments in response to the
joint request for information and notice of public meetings of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural
Utilities Service.  Please substitute the corrected version for the
document submitted earlier today.
 
Thank you for your assistance.
 
Please inform me if any questions should arise in connection with this
submission.
 
J.G. Harrington
 
Counsel to Cox Communications, Inc.
 
 
Dow Lohnes PLLC
1200 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036-6802 
T 202-776-2818
F 202-776-2222
jharrington@dowlohnes.com

Attachments

3G Americas Recovery Act Comments

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:

 

The comments from 3G Americas on the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration and Rural Utilities Service queries regarding
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives
are attached in Microsoft Word form.  Please contact me, Alex Bryson,
via phone at 202-730-1319 or e-mail at abryson@harriswiltshire.com if
there are any problems regarding this filing.

 

Thank you very much for your time.

 

Alex Bryson

Legal Assistant

Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP

1200 Eighteenth Street NW

Washington DC, 20036

(202) 730-1319

www.harriswiltshire.com

Attachments

3G America Comments to NTIA and RUS 4.13.09

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Paul Van Hoesen
Email:	paul@ctechnology.org
Address:	P.O.Box 1606
	Brentwood, TN 37024-1606

Attached is a proposal and comment on the NTIA TOP Sustainable Broadband Adoption Grant Program. This is the result of two years of field research in driving broadband adoption and economic and community development through the utilization of the Internet in rural west Tennessee. We have attached the program synopsis and comments as a file.

Sincerely,

Paul Van Hoesen
Director, cTechnology, Inc.

Attachments

cTechnology Sustainable Broadband Adoption Program & Comment.pdf

Comments Submitted in Docket No. 090309298-9299-01(Broadband Initiatives)

2009-04-14T00:08:00Z

Attached please find Comments on Joint Request for Information in Docket
No. 090309298-9299-01, submitted on behalf of the organizations listed
therein pursuant to the notice published in the Federal Register on
March 12, 2009.  Please contact me if you have any questions regarding
these Comments.
 
Margaret L. Tobey
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
NBC Universal, Inc.
1299 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC  20004
202-637-4262 (O)
202-262-8480 (M)
202-637-4538 (F)
e-mail:  margaret.tobey@nbcuni.com

Attachments

Broadband Stimulus NTIA RUS Comments PDF Final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Donald & Joyce Janeway
Email:	djaneway@gmail.com
Address:	3043 State Hwy 304
	Ten Mile, TN 37880

To Whom It May Concern:

We believe in the good work and importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. The C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As the Broadband Data Improvement Act is implemented, please ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Donald & Joyce Janeway
3043 State Hwy 304
Ten Mile, TN 37880

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sara Fitzgerald
Address:	502 West Broad Street #512
	Falls Church, VA 22046

See file attachment for comments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	GITA
Address:	100 N. 15th Avenue Suite 440
	Phoenix, AZ 85007

See Attachment

Attachments

GITA Response to NTIA RFI April 13 2009 _2_.pdf

Comments of WildBlue / HNS / Intelsat / NRTC in Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Attached are the comments of WildBlue Communications, Inc., Hughes
Network Systems, Inc., Intelsat Corporation and National Rural
Communications Cooperative to the joint request for information, Docket
No. 090309298-9299-01.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

David Brown

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

WildBlue Communications, Inc.

Attachments

Comments of WB_HNS_Intelsat_NRTC Docket 090309298-9299-01.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael Armstrong
Email:	michaelar@cctexas.com
Address:	1201 Leopard St.
	Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Comments are provided for each question in the attached documents. Our comments are in bold italic type.

Thank you.

Michael Armstrong

Attachments

ACF79E5.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael J. Mellis
Address:	75 Ninth Avenue, 5th Floor
	New York, NY 10011

Attachments

Comments of MLB Advanced Media.pdf

Comments of Alcatel-Lucent: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Alcatel-Lucent's comments are attached. Please contact me if you have
any difficulty with the document.
 
Kevin Krufky
Legislative Counsel
Global Government & Public Affairs
Alcatel-Lucent
1100 New York Avenue, N.W. 
Suite 640, West Tower
Washington, DC 20005
Direct:   202-312-5914
Mobile:  202-258-9535
Fax:       202-842-2817
Kevin.Krufky@Alcatel-Lucent.com
 

Note:  This message, and any attachments, is intended only for the
recipient(s) identified above.  The information contained in this
message may be privileged, confidential or proprietary, and its use or
disclosure by other than intended recipient(s) is prohibited and may be
unlawful.  If you have received this message in error, please delete it,
and do not distribute or retain a copy of it.

Attachments

Comments of Alcatel-Lucent.NTIA-RUS.doc

Iowa Health Care, Inc. Comments on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

<> <>
Please find enclosed for filing the Comments of Iowa Health Care, Inc.
in response to the Joint Request for Information of the Departments of
Commerce and Agriculture in the above-reference proceeding. One copy of
the Comments is signed in Adobe pdf format, and the other copy of the
comments (the substance of which is identical) is being filed in MS Word
format (as requested in the Public Notice) and is unsigned.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Douglas G. Bonner
Counsel for Iowa Health System, Inc.

Douglas G. Bonner
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
dbonner@sonnenschein.com
www.sonnenschein.com

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Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Governor Phil Bredesen
Email:	Phil.Bredesen@state.tn.us
Address:	First Floor, State Capitol
	Nashville, TN 37243

Please see attached letter.

Attachments

Letter to Anna Gomez 4-13-09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Robert J. Irving, Jr.
Email:	rirving@cricketcommunications.com
Address:	10307 Pacific Center Court
	San Diego, CA 92121

Please see attached pdf

Attachments

Cricket Comments to NTIA (2009.04.13).pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tony Perez
Email:	tony.perez@seattle.gov
Address:	700 5th Avenue, Suite 2700
	P.O. Box 94709
	Seattle, WA 98124-4709

See attached comments of the City of Seattle

Attachments

NTIASeatte_final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Lampert, O'Connor & Johnston, P.C.
Law firm:	Lampert, O'Connor & Johnston, P.C.
Attorney:	Donna N. Lampert
Email:	lampert@lojlaw.com
Address:	1776 K Street NW
	Suite 700
	Washington, DC 20006

Comments of EarthLink, Inc. and New Edge Networks, Inc.

Attachments

04-13-09 ELNK-NEN Comments re ARRA (RUS 090309298-9299-01; GN 09-40) FINAL.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	APCO International
Email:	orsy@apcomail.org
Address:	1426 Prince Street
	Alexandria, VA 22314

Attachments

APCO_Comments_on_the_ARRA_Broadband_Initiative_Docket_090309298-9299-01.pdf

Recovery Act Broadband Public Comment

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Ms. McGuire-Rivera

 

Please consider our attached comments as you develop final guidelines.
Document provided as a PDF and in Word 2003.

 

Pat 

 

Patricia A. Groot,

Grants Administrator

County of Fluvanna

132 Main Street

Palmyra VA 22963

434.591.1910 x 1081 voice

434.591.1911 fax

711 VA Relay

www.co.fluvanna.va.us

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brent Wilkes, LULAC
Address:	2000 L Street, NW
	Suite 610
	Washington, DC 20036

Please see the attached document.

Attachments

APRI et al letter to NTIA.pdf

NASCIO's Broadband Comments

2009-04-14T00:07:00Z

Attached are NASCIO's comment regarding the role of the state with broadband funding in the Recovery Act.

Sincerely,

Pam Richardson Walker
Director, Government Affairs
NASCIO
444 North Capitol Street, N.W.
Suite 642
Washington, DC 20001-1511
T: (202) 624-8477
F: (202) 624-7745

Attachments

NTIA-RUS - BTOP RFI Response-1.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	New Mexico Media Literacy Project
Email:	nmmlp@nmmlp.org
Address:	6400 Wyoming Blvd NE
	Albuquerque, NM 87109

The New Mexico Media Literacy Project supports The Center for Rural Strategies, with the support of the Media Democracy Fund, in the effort to ensure that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) utilize $7.2 billion in funds allotted to extend broadband service nationally – including over $2.5 billion of the funds to make grants and loans for the deployment and construction of broadband systems – to make unserved and underserved areas a priority when planning to distributing funding.

As a predominantly rural area state, New Mexico residents should be provided broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for advanced communication services. In addition, NMMLP would like to promote adoption of broadband technology in target communities and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target communities.

Please use public funds from The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. The focus should be public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband rather than rebuilding existing networks.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Carolyn Ponder
Address:	1845 Smith Creek Road
	Mars Hill,, NC 28754

I feel that broadband stimilus funding should be given to community-based networks,especially nonprofit, municial and cooperatives. These networks will provide local jobs thereby money will be reinvested into the local community. Local operators are more in touch with local needs and are probably more accessable. Network operators will give back to the community they serve.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jerry Kettles, Tennessee Regulatory Authority
Email:	jerry.kettles@state.tn.us
Address:	460 James Robertson Parkway
	Nashville, TN 37243

Attached are the comments of the Tennessee Broadband Task Force.

Attachments

TN BB Task Force Comments_Final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rep. Chad Faulkner
Email:	rep.chad.faulkner@capitol.tn.gov
Address:	202 War Memorial Bldg
	Nashville, TN 37243-0136

April 13, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, and grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity program.

Through this program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. 1,300 have already been distributed with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

I simply ask that as you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Thanking you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Chad Faulkner

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Diana Bob
Email:	dbob@ncai.org
Address:	1301 Connecticut Ave. NW
	Suite 200
	Washington, DC 20036

Please see attached.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:27:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cheryl DeConde Johnson, Hands & Voices
Email:	cheryl@colorado.edu
Address:	PO Box 3093
	Boulder, CO 80307

see attachment

Attachments

Rural Utilities Final comments 4.13.09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:27:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Charles Mattingly
Address:	5440 Judson Road
	Longview, TX 75605

See Attached Comments

Attachments

CV Broadband LLC.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:27:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Robert C. Junk Jr.
Email:	bobj@faypenn.org
Address:	TWO WEST MAIN STREET, Suite 407
	P.O. Box 2101
	Uniontown, PA 15401

Comments Being Submitted by the Following Groups:

Michael W. Krajovic, CEcD
President & CEO
Fay-Penn Economic Development Council
Two West Main Street, Suite 407
Uniontown, PA 15401
Phone: 724-437-7913
Fax: 724-437-7315
E-Mail: mikek@faypenn.org

Andrew P. French, Executive Director
Redevelopment Authority of the
County of Fayette, Pennsylvania
86 West Main Street
Uniontown, Pennsylvania 15401
Phone: 724-437-1547 ext. 210
Fax: 724-437-0731
E-mail: afrench@racfpa.org

J. Michael Edwards
Executive Director
Connellsville Redevelopment Authority
124 West Crawford Avenue
Connellsville, PA 15425
724 626 1645
E-Mail: jmedwards@zoominternet.net

Richard Ellsworth
American Broadband
1321 Connellsville Road
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456
Office: 724-437-1042 ext. 6320
Mobile: 251-753-9061
e-mail: rellsworth@american-bb.com

These groups are in support of the comments that follow.
These comments are for (Docket No. 090309298-9299-01)
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

- Education should be the number one priority for determining deployments, over immediate economic development and commercial interests. School buildings may have broadband capabilities, but children need access at home to do internet research and improve communication between the school and the home. Higher education attainment of students will lead to ‘across the board’ benefits to all levels of businesses, and economic development both in the short and long terms. Deployment areas should coincide with local school districts provided that the school has broadband capabilities.

- Additional priority should be given to projects which will expand service to areas that currently do not have any access to broadband services or areas where the current broadband service is not able to meet a community’s advanced communication service needs. Priority should be given to these types of projects rather than to projects which will simply rebuild existing broadband systems.

- The program must include grant funding to determine:

1. Feasibility study on best technology for a given area that is the most cost-effective.
2. Determine best interface with existing telecom providers, cable companies and others that may already be in small towns and suburbs, but do not provide service to rural and less densely populated areas.
3. Feasibility study for best management, operation and maintenance of the recommended system.
4. If the feasibility study applicant is a for-profit company they must demonstrate that they are working and partnering with local government agencies, local planning office and other non-profit groups that work in the economic development field within that project scope of work.
5. Study for determining price structure for different categories of users.
6. Study for determining total cost for deployment and determine loan/grant combination needed to make the broadband technology affordable to rural households and businesses.
7. Ongoing subscriber fees which should take into consideration per capita incomes.

- Each state should develop a list of consultants who are qualified to address the 7 items above.

- The grant funding for conducting a feasibility study should include small (10%) local match and in some cases, include in-kind matching support.

- Federal regulations should require cooperation by all commercial carriers everywhere to support system expansions, interfaces with existing commercial systems, and for commercial carriers to support local expansions by being willing to function as the broadband systems operating and maintenance company. Commercial companies are quick to install services in densely populated communities, but almost always refuse to deploy in rural areas with limited number of subscribers.

- The broadband deployment program should work similarly to the RUS programs in USDA where each project is analyzed for proper grant and loan ratios based on per capita incomes.

- Thought should be given to strongly encouraging high levels of public participation, but it must also be affordable - $20/month. It will be impossible for local communities to commit to assuming loan obligations without some guarantee to ensure subscribers. Perhaps the subscriber fees could be paid partially by another local taxing body such as a school district or municipality.

- Due to uniqueness of each area, flexibility should be provided to allow for multiple ownership models of local systems such as local government, non-profits, public authorities, local cooperatives, etc.

- Public funds should not be provided freely to existing commercial carriers without proper federal regulations to limit benefits to reasonable rates of return, and ensure maximum benefit for the public good.

- The federal government and the states should consider forming one state public authority for each state to serve as the central coordinating body with certain powers to manage interfaces with existing commercial carriers and to improve deployments via economies of scale and other technical and operating efficiencies. This could be one large rural cooperative/authority.

- The federal government could provide templates for local communities to use as RFP’s for selecting consultants.

- The federal government could provide templates for local communities to form local cooperatives, for contracting with private companies for operating and maintenance, and for interfacing with existing carriers.

- Grant and loan levels to fund broadband systems should range from $250,000 up to $10 million. Engineering fees to final deployments and systems design should be eligible costs. The grant should require a minimum of number of subscribers per investment to help ensure that the largest number of people served for each dollar invested. Small rural towns with higher concentrations of residents and businesses would take precedence.

- For remote locations, satellite hook-ups might be only cost effective alternative, but people could receive federal tax credits as incentives to increase installments and usage.

- Developing a national map should be a priority. The map should provide enough detail to be functionally useful in planning new deployments in underserved areas. GIS level of detail should be standard. Many commercial users have a reputation of providing unreliable data showing geographic coverage’s. Maps should be updated every 5 years. Major commercial carrier for license renewable or perhaps even annually, should be required to submit detailed maps of changes in coverage.

Attachments

Broadband Comments being submitted by the following groups 4-13-09.docx

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:27:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Denise Hamilton
Email:	denise@rapidsys.com
Address:	1211 N West Shore Blvd. Suite 711
	Tampa, FL 33607

Please find enclosed our comments in regards to the 3 specific terms and concepts:
1. Unserved Definition – Dialup or Satellite only. The size of the area would depend on the neighborhood not by zip code or county. We have clients that are unserved but are in the same zip code and / or county as those who are served.
2. Underserved Definition – Only one competitor besides from dialup and or satellite. The size of the area would depend on the neighborhood not by zip code or county. We have clients that are underserved but are in the same zip code and / or county as those who are served. An example of a neighborhood that would fit in this definition would be a trailer park.
3. Broadband – We believe there is a broadband life cycle and therefore should constitute different speeds and latency’s in accordance to where the client is in the life cycle. Digital Inclusion would be 768K. Multimedia would be 3M. Gaming and Advanced would be 10-15M. We would like to see minimum speeds to start since this would give people and independent ISP’s an option to service many people but not have such an increase creating a liability on the network or costs.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:27:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ohio Department of Administrative Services
Email:	State.CIO@oit.ohio.gov
Address:	30 E. Broad Street
	39th Floor
	Columbus, OH 43215

Please see attached cover letter (Ohio cover ltr) and response document (Ohio RFI response).

Attachments

NTIA-RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are being filed
on behalf of Sancom, Inc.
 
Kristy Szabo
On Behalf of Sancom, Inc. 
605-995-1786

Attachments

NTIA-RUS Sancom Rules Comments 4 13 09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dean R. Brenner
Attorney:	Dean R. Brenner
Email:	dbrenner@qualcomm.com
Address:	2001 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
	Suite 350
	Washington, DC 20006

See attached filing.

Attachments

ACF7893.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gary A. Evenson
Email:	gary.evenson@psc.state.wi.us
Address:	PO Box 7854
	Madison, WI 53707

Comments of the three Commissioners are attached

Attachments

NTIA RUS Broadband Comments 4-13-09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:25:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jim Baller
Law firm:	Baller Herbst Law Group
Attorney:	Jim Baller
Email:	Jim@Baller.com
Address:	2014 P Street, NW
	Suite 200
	Washington, DC 20036

Comments in attached PDF file.

Attachments

APPA Comments to NTIA-RUS (4-13-09).pdf

City of Miami comments on ARRA BTOP

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

The City of Miami submits the following comments in response to the RFI
regarding ARRA BTOP, Docket #090309298-9299-01.

 

Peter Korinis

Chief Information Officer

City of Miami, Florida

Attachments

City of Miami BTOP comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chad Ellis
Email:	Chad@QuickRelay.com
Address:	PO Box 5969
	Sevierville, TN 37864

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Open Internet Coalition
Law firm:	Holch & Erickson LLP
Attorney:	Markham C. Erickson
Email:	merickson@holcherickson.com
Address:	400 N. Capitol Street, NW
	Suite 585
	Washington, DC 20001

The Open Internet Coalition, including the undersigned entities, strongly support the provisions of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (“BTOP”), which is included as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“the Stimulus Act”) signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009.

Among other things, the Stimulus Act states that the purpose of the BTOP is to (1) provide improved access to broadband service to consumers residing in unserved and underserved areas and (2) stimulate the demand for broadband, economic growth, and job creation.

We enthusiastically support these goals. It is widely recognized that the Internet fuels innovation, education, and jobs. Consequently, we support the notion that the BTOP is a key ingredient in developing a comprehensive broadband plan that provides ubiquitous, affordable high speed Internet connections to all Americans.

The Stimulus Act requires the Assistant Secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”), in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission, to “publish the non-discrimination and network interconnection obligations that shall be contractual conditions of grants awarded.” These conditions “include at a minimum adherence to the principles contained in the Commission’s broadband policy statement.”

We would like to emphasize our enthusiastic support for this common-sense notion that grant recipients must adhere to general openness principles. The open character of the Internet marketplace is what has fed the engine of economic and job growth in the information, communications, and technology sector for over a decade.

In publishing the nondiscrimination obligations, we urge the Assistant Secretary to include these contractual conditions, in addition to requiring adherence to the FCC’s Broadband Policy Statement—

Grant recipients, offering service to the public, A) must not operate their networks in such a way that privileges, degrades, prioritizes, or discriminates against any lawful Internet content application or service transmitted over the grant recipient’s network; and B) must offer bandwidth for Internet access upon reasonable request, on rates, terms, and conditions that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory. Nondiscrimination shall not be construed to prohibit a grant recipient from engaging in reasonable network management consistent with the principle of nondiscrimination.

In publishing the network interconnection requirements, we urge the Assistant Secretary to require that grant recipients establish sufficient interconnection to provide consumers with robust access to the Internet.

Moreover, the nondiscrimination and interconnection obligations should apply in a technologically and platform neutral manner, to all grant recipients, regardless of whether the recipient provides wireless services, wireline services, or satellite services.

In addition, the NTIA should give priority to those qualified applicants with plans to deploy high speed fiber or wireless infrastructure, especially in those areas where access to such infrastructure is non-existent or inadequate. Using federal dollars to create a one-time investment in permanent fiber infrastructure is in most cases the most efficient use of federal dollars, which will benefit the public and a wide array of entities that rely on the Internet for commerce, health care, education, and other communications.

If you or your staff have any questions, please contact Markham Erickson at merickson@holcherickson.com or at (202) 624-1462.

Sincerely,

Markham C. Erickson
Executive Director

Adaptive Marketing LLC
Aegon Direct Marketing Services
Amazon.com
American Association of Law Libraries
American Library Association
Anglebeds.com
Ask.com
Association of Research Libraries
Bloglines
Chemistry.com
Circumedia LLC
Citysearch
CollegeHumor
Computer & Communications Industry Association
Cornerstone Brands, Inc.
Data Foundry
The Digital Media Association (DiMA)
Domania
Downstream
Dreamsleep.com
Dresses.com
EarthLink, Inc.
eBay
EDUCAUSE
Electronic Retailing Association
Entertainment Publications
Evite
Free Press
GetSmart
Gifts.com
GoGawGaw
Google
Hawthorne Direct
HomeLoanCenter.com
HSN
IAC
Iceland Health Inc.
iNest
Internet2
Interval International
iWon
Livemercial
Match.com
Media Access Project
Media Partners Worldwide
Mercury Media
Merrick Group
NationalBlinds.com
NetCoalition
New America Foundation
New Edge Networks, Inc.
North Texas Technology Council
PayPal
Product Partners
Pronto.com
Public Knowledge
RealEstate.com
ReserveAmerica
Savvier
ServiceMagic
Shoebuy.com
Shopping.com
Skype
Sling Media
Sony Electronics, Inc.
StubHub
Success in the City
TechNet
Ticketmaster
TiVo
Tonystickets.com
Tranquilitymattress.com
US PIRG
Vanguard
Washington Bureau for ISP Advocacy
Windward Instruments
YouTube

Attachments

Open Internet Coalition Comments April 13 2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bill Johnson
Email:	bjohnson@onenet.net
Address:	655 Research Parkway
	Suite 150
	Oklahoma City, OK 73104

April 13, 2009

Re: Comments on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Initiatives of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Rural Utilities Service Docket No. 090309298–9299–01

To Whom It May Concern:
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) believes that building mobile wireless broadband networks should be a primary consideration in state’s efforts to provision broadband in un- and underserved areas. The OSRHE recognizes that public-private partnerships are critical to the rollout and sustainability of the nation’s broadband efforts through the cost-sharing of infrastructure and expertise – ultimately providing a framework of collaboration that serves business and consumers as well as government and education entities that include, but are not limited to, K-20, healthcare, transportation, public safety, tribes and scientific research. This public-private partnership would definitely provide the best “bang for the stimulus buck”. Further, this has been the model for OSRHE’s Statewide Network “OneNet” for 16 years which has proven that State Government, Education and for-profit telecommunication companies can partner to reduce costs for both and provide tremendous value to consumer, business, government and education.
Today’s mobile technologies are also capable of speeds supporting the vast majority of uses critical to economic and social participation in cyberspace. Unlike wired networks, mobile wireless broadband networks have the ability to deliver a double benefit – broadband and mobility with a single, targeted investment.
Wireless technology is also the most cost-efficient means of providing affordable “last” and “middle mile” broadband both to sparsely populated rural areas and urban centers. Wireless broadband networks can be built quickly and due to their low cost, they are sustainable and more affordable than wired networks. Wireless broadband networks are also critical to attracting investment, spurring innovation, and increasing productivity.
OSRHE recommends that the “Agencies” implement the following strategies as part of their broadband initiatives.
• The Agencies should consider relevant broadband product markets when defining “un-served,” “underserved,” and “rural economic development.”
• Mobile wireless and fixed broadband services comprise separate product markets. Broadband services are comprised of different product markets that offer consumers different capabilities, irrespective of the broadband speed provided or the technology used. The ability of wireless networks to offer mobility places wireless broadband in an entirely separate product market.
• NTIA should define areas in which mobile wireless broadband service capable of delivering at least 3 mbps downlink and 768 kbps uplink speeds is unavailable as “un-served.”
• For the same reason, RUS should define areas in which mobile wireless broadband service is unavailable as lacking sufficient high speed broadband service to facilitate rural economic development.
• The Agencies should not require symmetrical threshold speeds for mobile wireless broadband networks.
• The Agencies should reject requests to limit initial rounds of funding to “un-served” areas only and instead consider both “un-served” and “underserved” areas concurrently.
• Projects that receive funding should represent a public–private partnership which will benefit consumers, rural business as well as hospitals, libraries, public safety and all levels of education and government including tribal government .
• The Agencies’ application selection criteria should consider whether multiple purposes or product markets would be served by an application.
• Applications which serve many markets and constituencies should be move to the top of the selection lists.
• The Agencies should give consideration to an applicant who has a history of providing enabling telecommunications with demonstrated commitment to rural and underserved areas.
State Role
• The Agencies should give substantial consideration to the views of the states.
• The “State” role should include identifying and insuring services are built to local communities, tribes, K-20 education, public safety, transportation, healthcare, smart grids and other government institutions.
• The Agencies should give positive consideration to states who operate their own private data networks and who have demonstrated history of reducing costs through public-private partnerships with for-profit telecommunications companies which ultimately lower costs to both by sharing most infrastructure costs.
• The Agencies should reject proposals, even from “States” which will not serve all levels of government. For example, a request for funds to build a “K-12” network which will not benefit libraries or higher educations should not be funded as it would requires duplicative efforts on the part of those other agencies.
OSRHE commends the Agencies’ adoption of an open and inclusive process for soliciting public comment on how to best implement the broadband funding provisions in Section 6001 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”). With ARRA funding, OSRHE will be able to accelerate broadband deployment to unserved and underserved areas, create and sustain jobs, and enhance public institutions’ capabilities with regard to the Internet. Accordingly, OSRHE has a direct and immediate interest in the Agencies’ funding criteria and application procedures, and offers these comments in an attempt to assist the Agencies in their efforts to implement the ARRA.
Conclusion
The Agencies should give substantial consideration to the views of the States.
The Agencies should give substantial consideration to the views of the states when determining whether a particular area is “unserved” or “underserved” as well as during the application selection process. Congress recognized that States have resources and a familiarity with local economic, demographic, and market conditions that could contribute to the success of the broadband grant program. This important role permits the states to share their considerable expertise.
OSRHE stands ready and willing to work with NTIA, RUS, the FCC and other industry groups to bring the ARRA application process to a successful conclusion.
Respectfully submitted, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

Attachments

Docket_No_090309298–9299–01_Broadband_comments_OSRHE.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mayor Rex Lynch
Address:	100 N. Main Street, Room 208
	Clinton, TN 37716

See attached.

Attachments

ACF7886.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Donald Gilroy
Address:	P.O Box 2058
	Elkins, WV 26241

My response is in the from of an attachment.
please vier the attachment

Attachments

Health issues with low power Wireless Communications.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Shelley Spencer
Address:	505 Beachland Boulevard
	Vero Beach, FL 32963

See Attached Comments

Attachments

Wirefree Partners III, LLCComments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alan Simpson, Common Sense Media
Email:	asimpson@commonsensemedia.org
Address:	650 Townsend Street, Suite 375
	San Francisco, CA 94103

To Whom It May Concern:

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) will be a significant step toward closing the digital divide in education and economics, and bringing valuable resources and opportunities to all our children, in every community. But it can’t be just wiring and hardware. Broadband investment – through BTOP and the Rural Utilities Service – won’t bring the rewards we need unless it includes comprehensive digital media literacy programs for America’s kids and schools. That is why Congress listed among the purposes of the BTOP the importance of providing education, awareness, training and support to schools, libraries and other community organizations.

As we work to bring the economic and educational benefits of broadband to every home, school and neighborhood in the United States, we must also ensure that parents and educators are prepared to help children learn how to navigate the digital media world, including how to find age-appropriate and educational media, and how best to avoid dangers online. If we invest wisely in the digital media literacy and education that need to accompany broadband, we will create new jobs, encourage demand for broadband service, and prepare our children for the high tech jobs of the future.

To facilitate this investment, we propose two alternative strategies for funding education, awareness, and training within the broadband programs:

1. Give priority funding to broadband grant applications that dedicate at least 5-10 percent of the funds to partnering with a qualified non-profit organization to provide digital media literacy programs in schools and community programs in the area served.

2. Reserve a portion of the available funds for grants to non-profit organizations to partner with elementary schools, secondary schools, and other educational entities and community organizations to provide digital media literacy programs, including professional development and in-service training for educators, technology support and staff development, and curriculum development and dissemination.

Innovative digital media literacy tools are already being used in many independent schools, and in some public school districts with appropriate staff support. They are the key to a successful 21st century classroom and to improving student achievement. Common Sense Media and other organizations have developed digital media literacy curriculum materials. To serve the public interest, and make the most of our investment in broadband, we must bring these resources – and the necessary support – to schools and community programs all over the United States, especially in rural and urban underserved areas.

We appreciate your consideration of these comments and invite you and your staff to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely yours,

James P. Steyer
Founder and CEO

Attachments

Comments to NTIA and RUS 041309.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kenneth F. Mason
Email:	ken.mason@frontiercorp.com
Address:	180 S. Clinton Ave.
	Rochester, NY 14646

See Attached

Attachments

Frontier NTIA_RUS Comments 041309.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	FirstMile.US
Email:	susan@firstmile.us
Address:	7668 El Camino Real Suite 104-425
	Carlsbad, CA 92009

This is the second set of remarks from FirstMile.US and focuses on job creation enabled by broadband.

Attachments

FirstMileUSjobs.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Lynn R. Merrill, P.E.
Email:	lmerrill@mrleng.com
Address:	100 N.W. 63rd Street
	Suite 100
	Oklahoma City, OK 73116

See attachment

Attachments

Comments of Lynn R. Merrill PE.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	C. Thomas Robinson, CCE, CEcD
Law firm:	Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce
Email:	thomr@morristownchamber.com
Address:	PO Box 9
	Morristown, TN 37815

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Derek
Email:	lilbull624@aol.com
Address:	22Edgewater Dr
	Toms River, NJ 08757

Hello, Im somebody who has been effected by wireless technology .I was athletic my wehole life played sports was an all County Running back in High School, went on to win the Gold Gloves in amateur Boxing .I since went into a job that for 16 yrs really tore apart my immune system every day i left feeling crappy But felt great out of there stuck it out for 16 yrs til I didnt even feel ok not in the workplace finally after leaving im now stuick with a weakened immune system and more alergic or sensitive to things that never bothered me before.Ive been not to bad as long as I can avoid most wireless technology thopugh im not as bad as some electrically sensitive people I do feel horrible when around alot of high electrical places . I do feel horrible around wireless internet .That i would say is the biggest thing effecting me so I try to avoid places that have it or peoples houses that have it which is becoming more difficult to do, but its fine with me i try to live a quiet life and not make waves and I fel if people wiash to have these technologies in their house thats fine as long as they are willing to have them, who am I to argue but im now appaulled to hear that there is this new technolgy called Wi Max that they are trying to put throughout the cities.That to me should be unconstitutional , if im affected by this technolgy and it lowers my quality of life why shopuld I have to be exposed to it? Yes I know im going to hear that it doesnt effect people thats a complete absolute falsehood. Just the asumption it can't hurt people is rediculous , It has been proven in many scientific studies . But im not hear to argue whether it does or not, just tghe fact thatI believe as anm American, we should nopt be forced into being subjected to things we don't wish to be, We are falling further and furtyher away from what our fore fathers fought and died for, a free country .I ask that health affects and free will be considered before doing such a thing

Thank You

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bennett W. Hooks
Email:	Ben@BUFORDMEDIA.com
Address:	Buford Media Group, L.L.C.
	P.O. Box 9090
	Tyler, TX 75711-9090

See attached letter.

Attachments

FINAL NTIA Letter 04132009.pdf

Comments of Nevesem, Inc.

2009-04-13T23:09:00Z

Attached please find the comments of Nevesem, Inc. in Docket No.
090309298-9299-01.
 
 
 
Edgar Class
Wiley Rein LLP
1776 K Street NW
Washington, DC  20006
t: 202.719.7504
f: 202.719.7049
eclass@wileyrein.com
 

NOTICE: This message (including any attachments) from Wiley Rein LLP may constitute an attorney-client communication and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED and CONFIDENTIAL and/or ATTORNEY WORK PRODUCT. If you are not an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please do not read, copy or forward this message. Please permanently delete all copies and any attachments and notify the sender immediately by sending an e-mail to Information@wileyrein.com.

Attachments

Comments of Nevesem Inc.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:17:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brent Kennedy, Mid-Plains Rural Telephone Coop, Inc.
Address:	P.O. Box 300
	Tulia, TX 79088

Comment #1: Request ability to refinance recent loans with fixed, low interest loans. Mid-Plains Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (MPRTC) recently obtained loan funds from the Telecommunications Program. While this loan was “termed” under the 2008 fiscal year, MPRTC is just now (April 2009) being funded for that loan. The majority of these funds, if not all in some form or fashion, are for the purpose of MPRTC upgrading its network to provide various levels of broadband to practically 100% of its members by replacing some of its facilities with FTTP and extending fiber to broadband carrier electronics in remote rural areas. MPRTC has taken the initiative, prior to the development of this program, to extend broadband services to the rural areas in which it serves to promote rural growth to the farmers, ranchers, dairies, agricultural industries, and residents that work in these areas. This will not be an easy financial task, but MPRTC believes it is necessary to meet the needs of its members. For this reason, MPRTC would be highly interested in refinancing this loan through the ARRA Broadband Investment Program, in the event fixed, low interest loans are made available through this program. In years past, many RUS borrowers have been able to take advantage of hardship loans. In today’s economic times, similar type loans that would be fixed at a very low interest rate, two percent (2%) or below, would be very attractive and beneficial. MPRTC believes this suggestion and request would be a win-win solution. One, MPRTC would save hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest payments, but still get everything accomplished it originally set out to do. Second, the projects in the loan package have already been approved and met most of the pre-construction obligations, such as permits, environmental, rights-of-way, etc. Therefore, these projects would be as “shovel ready” as any possible project and a good portion of funds could be spent immediately. Third, the cost savings in debt payments would allow for MPRTC to be more aggressive in the deployment, thus accomplishing the stimulus to the economy and providing the planned services in a shorter timeframe. In summary, MPRTC is suggesting that RUS consider the ability to refinance recently approved telecommunications and/or broadband loans within the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years, with fixed, low interested (2% or less) loans through the ARRA Broadband Investment Program.
Comment #2: Ensure some funding to smaller providers. MPRTC recognizes that the requests of the larger companies could be exponential in comparison to the requests of rural ILECs and it would be discouraging to know that a rural ILEC was overlooked or turned down primarily on the basis that more funds could be distributed to one provider, instead of spreading over multiple smaller providers. MPRTC is concerned that some of the larger companies, which have put off or ignored deploying broadband in their less populated areas, will absorb the majority of the funds due to their size, leaving very little if any funds to the hundreds of other rural telcos that have been trying to deploy broadband with their own funds for years, but could also use some assistance to extend or improve their existing services, or even implement broadband services to some areas that were not feasible otherwise. Therefore, MPRTC requests that RUS consider some method to ensure funding to smaller providers. This may be in the form of some type of cap on the amount of funds that any one company or provider can receive in any given application or round of funding, to allow for the ability to spread more funds across a larger cross section of providers and areas. MPRTC recognizes the difficulty in trying to assert some type of cap in proportion to a company’s size or financial ratio. One other suggestion would be to allocate a small portion (5-10%) of the funds in a given NOFA for the funding of Tier 3 companies or providers with less than 10,000 customers, to ensure funding of deserving smaller companies, without limiting the remaining applicants access to the largest majority of funds available. If this amount of funds cannot be awarded, the excess funds would be put back into the general funding pool.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:17:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dean Tsilikas
Email:	dtsilikas@cityofchicago.org
Address:	1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
	Suite 404
	Washington, DC 20004

The City of Chicago is filing the attached comments with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to the joint request for information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives.

Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

If you require further clarification on the City of Chicago's comments, please contact Dean Tsilikas, as he will be serving as the initial point of contact.

We thank you for this opportunity to provide our input, and look forward to the overall success of this important initiative.

Attachments

City of Chicago BTOP Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Law firm:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Attorney:	Tillman L. Lay
Address:	1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
	2nd Floor
	Washington, DC 20036

Comments of the Kentucky Municipal Utilities Association

Attachments

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - NTIA/RUS Comments

2009-04-13T23:08:00Z

NTIA/RUS:
Please see attached the "Comments of Open Range Communications Inc"
filed in response to the NTIA/RUS Request for Information in Docket
No.090309298-9299-01. Should you have any questions please contact me at
the address below.

Joe D. Edge, Esquire
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
1500 K Street, N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, DC  20009
Phone:  202-842-8800
Direct:  202-842-8809
Fax:  202-842-8465
Email:  joe.edge@dbr.com  

**********************************
Disclaimer Required by IRS Rules of Practice:
Any discussion of tax matters contained herein is not intended or written to be 
used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be 
imposed under Federal tax laws.
**********************************
This message contains information which may be confidential and privileged. 
Unless you are the intended addressee (or authorized to receive for the intended 
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please advise the sender at Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP by reply e-mail and 
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Attachments

2215350_2.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:17:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	James H. Henry
Email:	jhenry@bankstreet.com
Address:	One Canterbury Green
	201 Broad Street, 4th Floor
	Stamford, CT 06901

Please find attached our comment on the criteria to be used by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ( NTIA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Service (RUS) in evaluating applications for grants, loans and guarantees under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives.

Attachments

Bank Street Comment to NTIA & RUS - April 13, 2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:17:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Robert Billingsley
Email:	Rbillingsley@arlingtonva.us
Address:	Department of Technology Services, Ste 612
	2100 Clarendon Blvd
	Arlington, VA 22201

Broadband technology, much like other forms of information communications technology, is an “enabling technology.” The purpose of this statement is to urge the RUS, NTIA, and FCC to apply the ARRA funding effectively by the use of strategically determined model projects. To advocate the spending of limited Federal funds for broadband as a means of stimulating the economy with one-time “shovel ready” construction projects underestimates the true economic value of broadband technology. (See attached statement in full)

Attachments

BTOP Funding Criteria.doc

Comments - Recovery Act Broadband Initiatives - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

As per the instructions in the instructions provided in the Federal
Register notice, I hereby submit the attached set of comments on behalf
of the American Legislative Exchange Council.  Both the attached pdf
document and the attached Word document are identical in content.  (This
e-mail is not considered to be part of those comments.)

 

Best Regards,

 

Seth

____________

SETH COOPER

Director, Telecom & IT Task Force

American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)

Office: 202-742-8524

Cell:    202-302-3428

FAX:   202-466-3801

sethcooper@alec.org

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:17:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Law firm:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Attorney:	James N. Horwood
Address:	1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
	2nd Floor
	Washington, DC 20036

Comments of the City of Manassas, VA

Attachments

Manassas NTIA.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Spiegel & McDiarmid LLP
Attorney:	Tillman L. Lay
Address:	1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
	2nd Floor
	Washington, DC 20036

Comments of the City of Palo Alto, CA are attached

Attachments

Palo Alto NTIA Comments.pdf

BTOP comments - Cox Communications

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

This message from the law firm of Dow Lohnes PLLC, may contain
confidential or privileged information.  If you received this
transmission in error, please call us immediately at (202)776-2000 or
contact us by E-mail at admin@dowlohnes.com.  Disclosure or use of any
part of this message by persons other than the intended recipient is
prohibited.

________________________________

 
On behalf of our client Cox Communications, Inc., I am transmitting to
you herewith an electronic version of Cox's comments in response to the
joint request for information and notice of public meetings of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural
Utilities Service.  The comments are submitted in the form of a
Microsoft Word document.
 
Please inform me if any questions should arise in connection with this
submission.
 
J.G. Harrington
 
Counsel to Cox Communications, Inc.
 
 
Dow Lohnes PLLC
1200 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036-6802 
T 202-776-2818
F 202-776-2222
jharrington@dowlohnes.com

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Patrick W. Pearlman
Law firm:	West Virginia Consumer Advocate Division
Attorney:	Patrick W. Pearlman
Email:	ppearlman@cad.state.wv.us
Address:	700 Union Building
	723 Kanawha Boulevard, East
	Charleston, WV 25301

See Attached.

Attachments

response to joint NOI 04122009 clean.pdf

NAM Comments on NTIA BTOP

2009-04-13T23:06:00Z

Dear Sirs & Madams:

Please accept these comments of the National Association of
Manufacturers regarding the NTIA Broadband Technologies Opportunity
Program.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
me at the phone numbers and email address below.

Cheers,
Marc-Anthony

 <> 
_____________________________________

Marc-Anthony Signorino
Director, Technology Policy
Direct:  (202) 637-3072
Cell:     (202) 494-1290
Email: 	msignorino@nam.org 

National Association of Manufacturers
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20004-1790

Check out our blog at www.shopfloor.org

Attachments

NAM Comments on NTIA BTOP FINAL April 13 09.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cynthia Pols
Email:	polscm@aol.com
Address:	PO Box 12276
	Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

See attachment for the comments (and a summary of those comments) of the Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) Cable Broadband Consortium.

Attachments

TJCOG summary & comments-2009.04.13.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tamara Jones; Department of Information Services
Law firm:	Governor's Office
Attorney:	Marc Baldwin
Email:	tamaraj@dis.wa.gov
Address:	PO Box 42445
	Olympia, WA 98504-2445

State of Washington
Comments in Response to Federal Request for Information Regarding
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives
Docket Number 090309298-9299-01

Executive Summary

The State of Washington’s comments are focused on the following topic areas: The Purposes of the Grant Program; The Role of the States; Eligible Grant Recipients; Establishing Selection Criteria for Grant Awards; Broadband Mapping; Financial Contributions by Grant Applicants; Reporting and De-obligation; Coordination with USDA's Broadband Grant Program; and Definitions. Also included are responses to the Rural Utilities Service’s (RUS) questions one through four.

Our goal in responding was to urge NTIA and RUS to preserve maximum flexibility in the manner that grants under the ARRA are considered and awarded. We also believe it is critical for states to have a meaningful and substantial advisory role in determining which projects meet the criteria set forth in the ARRA and any further federal requirements established by NTIA. The states can provide a comprehensive and localized understanding of their economic condition and broadband deployment challenges. Their views of where efforts to introduce or enhance broadband investment and encourage increased consumption are vital to ensuring that the greatest overall benefits are realized for those projects selected under the auspices of the BTOP program.

We urge the NTIA reviewers to consider Washington’s detailed responses in the development of the program.

State of Washington
Comments in Response to Federal Request for Information Regarding
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives
Docket Number 090309298-9299-01

NTIA
The Purposes of the Grant Program

Washington State supports the development of NTIA guidelines for ensuring that broadband recovery funds are directed towards the purposes of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): reaching unserved and underserved populations; supporting broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support; improving access to broadband by public safety agencies; and stimulating the demand for broadband, economic growth, and job creation.
We do not support allocating a pre-set percentage of funds to each of the purposes enumerated under Section 6001(b) of the ARRA. Different areas of the United States have achieved different levels of progress in providing broadband infrastructure, access, education, training, equipment and support. Varying levels of progress make it problematic to assign a certain percentage of funds to each purpose set forth in the ARRA.
We support an approach that encourages fund applicants to address more than one legislative purpose in their requests, and, when possible, identifies opportunities to leverage other fund sources in support of their funding requests. We also believe that providing high-speed access to schools, universities, libraries, community centers job training centers, hospitals and public safety personnel is critical.
On balance, determining whether it is more important to invest in infrastructure than to invest in mapping or provide education and training will be a location-based issue. Please refer to “The Role of the States” below for additional comments relating to prioritization and meeting the goals of the ARRA.
The Role of the States
The State of Washington supports a meaningful and substantial advisory role for the states in determining which projects meet the criteria set forth in the ARRA and any further federal requirements established by NTIA. The states can provide a comprehensive and localized understanding of their economic condition and broadband deployment challenges. Their views of where efforts to introduce or enhance broadband investment and encourage increased consumption are vital to ensuring that the greatest overall benefits are realized for those projects selected under the auspices of the BTOP program.
Like many states, Washington has its own initiative underway to assess and establish improved conditions for broadband deployment and adoption in the state. It is crucial that NTIA’s BTOP rules tap into and complement such state efforts by establishing a consultative relationship with each state to evaluate, rank, and prioritize all public and private proposals submitted to the agency under the BTOP program. Serious consideration should be given to those projects specifically prioritized by a state’s official designee that promote economic recovery in a manner most consistent with the statutory criteria of the BTOP program while fully considering local conditions.
The state consultative process should include at least four key components to maximize its effectiveness.
First, NTIA should request that each designated state official or agency adopt or have in place a defined and state-sanctioned process to engage all stakeholders in a broad outreach effort to ensure wide-ranging awareness of the resources available under the BTOP program for broadband infrastructure deployment and to promote broadband adoption by consumers.
Second, NTIA should require that each applicant for BTOP funding be required to file contemporaneously with the state its application and all supporting documentation.
Third, NTIA should set forth broad criteria for states to use in reviewing and ranking applications, while allowing states the flexibility to consider specific factors reflecting state and local conditions.
Finally, assuming that states have an ongoing role in monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness and compliance of accepted projects, each successful applicant for BTOP funding should be required to allow access to and share any relevant information, including books and supplementary records pertaining to their project(s), with appropriate state officials to assist the state and NTIA in evaluating each grantee’s compliance with the terms and conditions of their BTOP award.
Eligible Grant Recipients
With two exceptions, the eligible recipients identified in the ARRA are sufficient to ensure that the public’s interest in expanding broadband development and deployment are met.
We encourage the NTIA to allow eligible entities to include new types of partnerships among public, nonprofit, and for-profit entities either to provide broadband infrastructure or to stimulate or aggregate demand for services. Such partnerships may be to create leverage and linkages between different infrastructure providers or demand-side entities to target certain unserved and underserved areas better, or offer higher speeds or more services or greater affordability in existing areas.
Washington also supports making BTOP and RUS grants and loans available to private organizations or companies that have existing broadband capabilities or investments that seek to utilize funding to expand existing infrastructure into underserved or unserved service areas, regardless of technology.
Successful applicants should have a track record of providing quality telecommunications and information services to the public, and we fully expect that innovative grant proposals will come from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The determination of whether an entity other than those described in Section 6001(e)(1)(A) and (B) is in the public interest depends on the particulars of the grant proposal. Assuming the applicant has demonstrated financial bona fides and technical competencies, and commits to comply with the terms of the ARRA, the NTIA should find that it is in the public interest that the applicant be eligible to compete for grant awards.
The NTIA should also consider applications from non-profit and public regranting programs for the purposes of community technology literacy and broadband access programs reaching vulnerable populations.
Finally, Washington believes the NTIA should reserve the power to make exceptions to the grant eligibility criteria in cases where no eligible entity comes forward for a specific location, and an entity or group of entities can show that they share the characteristics and overall goals of otherwise eligible, similarly situated, recipients.
Establishing Selection Criteria for Grant Awards
Although it may be desirable to rank or prioritize factors and criteria for awarding grants, Washington believes that NTIA should retain sufficient flexibility amongst the statutory criteria such that any mix of supply and demand side projects may be funded under the BTOP program.
Simply stated, not all states are the same. Each state has its own social demographics, geography, and economic conditions, among other factors. More specifically, from a broadband perspective, each state has different broadband deployment levels, competitive alternatives, and consumer adoption practices and levels. While some geographically large states may have broad swaths of un-served or partially-served areas, other smaller, more densely populated states, may have more urbanized requirements pertaining to broadband adoption. Similarly, opportunities for computer training may be different in different communities. BTOP criteria need to be sufficiently flexible to anticipate and address the requirements of both situations.
Accordingly, Washington strongly believes that NTIA should resist efforts adopt rigid or inflexible selection criteria in an effort to apply a “national” solution or approach to determining grant awards where different approaches for different states would address better local conditions.
Washington would support a rebuttable presumption for “sustainable adoption of broadband services” which assigns a heavier weight to grant proposals that come from existing broadband infrastructure providers, public or private, and demand-side programs that have a proven track record.
We disagree with the suggestion that a statewide map or mapping initiative should be a prerequisite to receiving BTOP funding for infrastructure. While it may be true that a broadband map can be a useful tool to identify un-served areas of a state, other resources or avenues also exist to facilitate identification of unmet broadband requirements. State economic development agencies, state commissions, and state or local government task forces or committees may well have meaningful insight and opinions on undeveloped areas ripe for broadband investment. Indeed, an ad hoc group established by the Washington Legislature recently completed a comprehensive study of factors influencing broadband investment and adoption throughout the state and made recommendations regarding a potential mapping endeavor. While that process may someday lead to a statewide broadband map, there is simply no need to wait for the outcome of the state mapping exercise to begin tapping BTOP funding when suitable information from alternative sources already exists.
We also urge that each grant applicant be required to certify in some form that it is not seeking similar or identical support from the RUS broadband program as a means to “double dip” federal funding for their particular project(s). While Washington understands that NTIA and RUS may plan to coordinate in some fashion to prevent double dipping, a self-certification process for project proponents provides an added layer of awareness and prevention of such an outcome. We support the recommendation from NASUCA asking that federal agencies establish an interagency task force to address this matter and other important matters of coordination.
Finally, regarding the potential displacement of private investment by BTOP funds, the NTIA should not give weight to an applicant that proposes an infrastructure project in an area where a broadband infrastructure provider is already offering affordable and reliable high-speed internet services.
Broadband Mapping

On December 1, 2008, Washington published a legislatively commissioned report on High-Speed Internet Deployment and Adoption Strategy Recommendations for the State of Washington. The Report addresses topics covered in the ARRA and the Broadband Data Improvement Act (P.L. 110-385) in substantial depth, including Geographic Information System (GIS) based mapping. The link to the Report and related materials is http://dis.wa.gov/hiswg/default.htm.

In addition to addressing a variety of topics related to high-speed access, deployment, adoption, and listing specific GIS mapping criteria, the Report recommends several additional features that should be included in GIS maps.

Of particular note is the recommendation that the map include an application layer to illustrate what level of various applications could be facilitated in different geographic areas. Application attributes can be appended to the GIS mapping database to create color-coded maps displaying the uppermost high-speed application available in each area and other information. As an example, mapped areas could display various levels of application classes ranging from basic email and You Tube video, to telecommuting, telemedicine, and smart/intelligent building monitoring. These types of application classes can be fundamental to determining whether an area is underserved and whether the service provided can facilitate economic development.

The Report also notes that the GIS maps could be combined with “Wiki”–type inputs from consumers to both add to, and verify information from, other sources. A Wiki enabled map could also help identify variations in offered versus realized services, including determination of an average service level in any given area (this would further help determine the viability of applications that are dependent upon certain guaranteed service levels within any given area). The map could also provide links to high-speed internet information from available websites of providers, including service type and pricing.

NTIA and RUS should work together to specify the geographic level required for mapping data, and should consider recently adopted FCC reporting requirements that specify census tract level reporting and yet to be determined service availability reporting requirements. NTIA and RUS should also define the data requirements necessary to ensure that statewide inventory maps can be rolled up into a searchable national broadband database so that states can build their data sets accordingly.

Financial Contributions by Grant Applicants

The assessment of the “financial needs” of an applicant, and whether or not the NTIA should provide greater than 80 percent of a project/activity’s cost should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the totality of economic and financial circumstances. Should NTIA determine that for-profit infrastructure providers are “eligible entities” in the public interest, then such providers should provide the full 20 percent matching requirement. However, if a for-profit entity enters into a partnership with a governmental entity, or non-profit organization it may assert a “financial needs” waiver based on a combination of economic circumstances.
NTIA and RUS should be generally aware of economic and financial distress in state and local governments and other public entities throughout the country, and specifically in Washington State today. The agencies should use publicly available data on the economic and budget circumstances, which are widely available from a number of sources, regarding the specific circumstances of the applicant. The NTIA and RUS should consider various forms of in-kind contributions that a state, local government, or political subdivision may be able to contribute toward the 20 percent match requirement, such as assigned personnel, and office and administrative overhead. The NTIA should consider some of the following specific factors in reviewing a waiver for “financial need”:

• Reaching the largest number of households/customers at the highest possible speed for a particular project (referenced in Sec. 6001(h)(2)(B));
• How much previous work the applicant has done, either alone or with a state agency or task force, in getting the proposal or project to the status of “shovel-ready”;
• How quickly the particular projects or activity can be started and completed;
• The number of jobs created by the applicant and/or projects, what impact that may have on the unemployment rate.
• The economic condition of the community where services would be provided.
Reporting and De-obligation
NTIA and RUS should require grantees to use independent third party quality assurance practitioners to ensure compliance with the commitments identified in the grant application, and the requirements of the ARRA and related acts.

Quarterly reporting by an independent third party quality assurance practitioner, together with the grantee’s quarterly reports on progress toward achieving the objectives of the grant proposal, provides a means for regular monitoring of grant activities, and early warning if the objectives of the grant are not being met.

Third party quality assurance services are widely available and routinely used to provide oversight and reporting for all manner of projects. The purpose of quality assurance is to increase the probability of a project’s success. Projects are more likely to be successful when the project managers and sponsors are provided with insightful, competent, timely, independent and objective assessments of how well the project team is executing its objectives. Quality assurance provides its greatest value when engaged in the early initiation phases of a project, and continued throughout the project lifecycle. Quality assurance services are considered to be a part of total project cost and should be budgeted accordingly.

Washington State prefers quality assurance practitioners with professional credentials appropriately related to oversight activities, and recent experience managing and assessing projects of similar size, risk and complexity. Practitioners should also be aware of the political and legal environment in which the projects operate.

NTIA and RUS could use quality assurance reporting to assess whether projects are progressing appropriately in light of the projects’ milestones and deliverables, and could receive early warning of risks that could prompt additional corrective action and reporting in cases where risks are deemed unacceptably high. The threshold at which funds are deobligated should be determined by NTIA and RUS after a thorough review of all relevant circumstances.
Coordination with USDA's Broadband Grant Program

NTIA and RUS should issue a unique identifier to all eligible entities who desire to make application for ARRA funding. That identifier should be linked to the applicant’s eligibility status and geographic location. Applicants applying for funding under the ARRA should be required to use their unique identifier when applying to NTIA and RUS, and to state whether they have applied to NTIA, or RUS, or both, at the time of their application. In this way, NTIA and RUS can track the activity of all eligible entities and ensure that grant funds are utilized in the most efficient and effective manner possible, without unjustly enriching any particular applicant. In addition, we urge RUS and NTIA not to limit the possibility of any “unserved area” from maximizing potential benefits under both programs through some arbitrary constraint. We believe that both statutes (Division A, Title I for RUS and Division B, Title VI for NTIA) allow an applicant to develop innovative ways to serve such “unserved areas” by combining various elements of each into a comprehensive proposal, and the implementing rules should allow this.

Definitions

Broadband: Washington recommends that broadband or high-speed internet service be defined similar to the FCC broadband tiers with the exception of the lowest tier, so the first tier would be ≥ 768 kilobits per second (kbps) download and > 200 kbps upload. For the purposes of the ARRA grants, we believe that there should be flexibility in the definition so that the minimum level of service is based on the community, geography and need. We recognize that some communities may require a higher minimum level of service to meet their needs. Top tier research-intensive universities and government laboratories, for example, will require much higher speeds than ordinary consumers.

We believe that Washington’s definition balances the data gathering needed to provide a realistic assessment of high-speed internet service within the state, coupled with the requirements already placed on providers by the FCC. The definition does not place an additional requirement on service providers because the data that would be categorized as broadband under the FCC’s definition is information that would be characterized as high-speed internet under the state’s definition.
Underserved: Besides defining high-speed internet service in terms of speed tiers (upload and download speed pairings), Washington feels that various levels of high-speed internet should be defined by the applications that can be enabled by different speed tiers, especially for purposes of determining whether an area is underserved, or where the service provided can facilitate economic development.

When settling on definitions, NTIA should consider not only whether a given set of speed tiers is equivalent to “broadband” or high-speed” service, but also whether an area is “underserved” if the speeds available are not sufficient to support users’ needs.

Rural: Washington’s statutory definition of rural is limited to “rural county" and means a county with a population density of fewer than one hundred persons per square mile or a county smaller than two hundred twenty-five square miles. We recommend that NTIA and RUS select a definition of “rural” appropriate for the greatest number of states based on existing legal definitions, and currently implemented eligibility standards.

RUS
What are the most effective ways RUS could offer broadband funds to ensure that rural residents that lack access to broadband will receive it?
Washington supports a mix of grants and loans that is heaviest on the loan side. It is our understanding that the loan program allows RUS to leverage the funds available to it. This, in turn, increases the availability of funding for broadband projects. Existing loan programs administered by the RUS have proved effective in deploying telecommunications infrastructure in rural America. Although the loan program is an effective tool, there may be instances in which a direct grant is preferable given local circumstances. For example, there may be very low density pockets of unserved areas in rural America where the economics of even a low-interest loan do not make sense. Thus, deploying a mixture of loans and grants under the administration of the RUS, with the assistance of the states in a consultative role, will assure the greatest availability of broadband infrastructure throughout the nation.
We also urge that each grant applicant be required to certify in some form that it is not seeking similar or identical support for the same project from the RUS broadband program as a means to “double dip” federal funding for their particular project(s).
In what ways can RUS and NTIA best align their Recovery Act broadband activities to make the most efficient and effective use of the Recovery Act broadband funds?

NTIA and RUS should issue a unique identifier to each eligible entity that applies for ARRA funding. That identifier should be linked to the applicant’s eligibility status and geographic location. Applicants applying for funding under the ARRA should be required to use their unique identifier when applying to NTIA and RUS and to state whether they have applied to NTIA or RUS or both at the time of their application. In this way, NTIA and RUS can track the activity of all eligible entities and ensure that grant funds are utilized in the most efficient and effective manner possible, without unjustly enriching any particular applicant. In addition, we urge RUS and NTIA not to limit the ability of an applicant to apply for support under both programs if a combination of support is not duplicative and furthers the deployment of broadband service into unserved areas. We believe that the both statutes (Division A, Title I for RUS and Division B, Title VI for NTIA) allow an applicant to develop innovative ways to serve such unserved areas by combining various elements of each into a comprehensive proposal, and the implementing rules should allow this.

How should RUS evaluate whether a particular level of broadband access and service is needed to facilitate economic development?

Broadband access and service has become the price of entry for economic areas. Need should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the broadband needs of the businesses currently located in an area as well as the industries that area hopes to recruit in the future.

Also, see Washington’s comments in response to NTIA’s questions above concerning the definition of “underserved,” and the relationship between economic development and different levels of high-speed internet service.
In further evaluating projects, RUS must consider the priorities listed below. What value should be assigned to those factors in selecting applications? What additional priorities should be considered by RUS?
In evaluating proposals, RUS must examine whether the proposed project (1) gives end-users a choice of internet service providers, (2) serves the highest proportion of rural residents who lack access to broadband service, (3) is submitted by a current or former RUS borrower, and (4) is fully funded and ready to start once it receives funding, and (5) addresses barriers to adoption. Of these five specific factors, we believe that items 2 and 4 should be assigned the highest priority given that they best meet the overriding goals of the ARRA and promotion of broadband deployment. The first factor, “giving end-users a choice of internet service providers,” should be assigned the lowest priority; in our view, focusing on choice of service may well be a wasteful exercise that diverts l necessary funding to those rural areas lacking even a single broadband provider. The fourth priority listed should be assigned a higher value because it best meets the overriding goals of the ARRA in terms of economic development and creating jobs.
We urge the RUS to coordinate closely with the NTIA in identifying additional priorities.

Attachments

Broadband - NTIA-RUS RFI - State Responses - 13Apr09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Patrick Sims
Email:	patrick.sims@adc.com
Address:	15415 48th Avenue North
	Plymouth, MN 55446

Please see the attachment.

Attachments

Definition for Open Access Architectures.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Eric Swanson
Email:	swansone@michigan.gov
Address:	111 S. Capital Ave
	Lansing, MI 48933

Please find attached, a letter from the Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology and the Department's responses to the Request for Information regarding the NTIA and RUS Broadband Development Programs. Thank You for the opportunity to respond.

Attachments

Michigan_RFI Responses_4_13_2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Esther Sykes-Wood
Email:	ewoods@fayettetn.us
Address:	16265 Highway 64
	Somerville, TN 38068

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Donna Sorgi, Esq.
Law firm:	City of Boston Law Department
Attorney:	Donna Sorgi, Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel
Email:	donna.sorgi@cityofboston.gov
Address:	City of Boston Law Department
	Boston City Hall, Room 615
	Boston, MA 02201

Comments of the City of Boston (Please see attachment)

Attachments

FINAL NTIA Comments_001.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Association of Public Television Stations
Attorney:	Malena F. Barzilai
Email:	mbarzilai@apts.org
Address:	2100 Crystal Drive
	Suite 700
	Arlington, VA 22202

Please accept the attached comments.

Attachments

NTIA Comments 4 13 09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Stan Romero
Email:	Stan@Researchfirst.com
Address:	1052 Cherry Bark Ct.
	Hoover, AL 35244

See attached document

Attachments

BMMA Input to NTIA & RUS ROI.doc

City of Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel, Jr.'s Comments on BTOP

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Dear Sirs/Mses.:  Attached please find the comments of City of Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel. Jr. wishes to submit regarding the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
Sincerely,
Curtis B. Blessing
Senior Advisor to Mayor Cockrel
curtis.blessing@detroitmi.gov



This message has been scanned for malware by SurfControl plc. www.surfcontrol.com

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brent Wilkes
Email:	bwilkes@lulac.org
Address:	2000 L Street NW
	Suite 610
	Washington, DC 20036

April 13, 2009

The Honorable Anna Gomez
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230

Dear Secretary Gomez:

As the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States, the League of United Latin American Citizens respectfully requests the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to quickly and efficiently distribute the more than $7 billion set aside for broadband deployment and mapping in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

To facilitate the dispersal of funds to unserved and underserved areas, NTIA must stipulate several provisions for any state interested in broadband funding. As the government continues to inject money into the economy, NTIA must require some method of transparency and accountability for all interested parties. This will help eliminate potential waste and ensure funds are being used properly. However, when considering the provisions to attach to broadband stimulus funding, NTIA must be careful not to require overly burdensome regulatory criteria that suppresses growth and investment. The unfortunate by-product would be lower participation in broadband stimulus programs and less deployment to communities that need it most. The focus must continue to stay on broadband deployment to these communities instead of Internet regulatory policies that go well beyond the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) well-established principles and undercut the Congressional intent found in the stimulus bill.

Mapping is a key component to ensuring an effective process. This will enable proper identification of areas that do not have broadband access first and deploy to those neighborhoods that need it most. Working with knowledgeable community-based organizations (CBO) to facilitate the deployment process will be most effective as they can identify qualified providers with which to partner. These CBOs know their communities well and, together with private entities, can help provide broadband access to families left behind in this digital age.

One of the main goals at LULAC is to advance the economic condition of Hispanic Americans through public-private partnerships working in conjunction with community-based organizations. We believe strongly in providing access to educational opportunities to our constituents to promote job creation and economic empowerment. With this in mind, we fully support the money for broadband expansion in communities of need and hope that Hispanics and other minorities can gain access to the life-changing opportunities that broadband provides.

As our nation continues to evolve into an e-society based on digital access and literacy, we must ensure that underserved and unserved populations are not left behind. Access to new and existing technologies is necessary to compete in the local, national and global marketplace. It not only provides efficiencies of service but, with the broadband stimulus money, will also become more affordable to communities struggling to make ends meet.

Broadband deployment and mapping will allow effective identification of areas and families that need broadband the most and provide access to information technology in an efficient and affordable manner. With a stagnant economy, Hispanic Americans and other low-income communities need educational and social opportunities to stay afloat and compete in the marketplace. The quicker NTIA can disperse broadband funding to our state and local leaders, the quicker these disadvantaged communities can gain access to tools of economic opportunity.

Sincerely,

Respectfully submitted,

Rosa Rosales
LULAC National President

Attachments

NTIA.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Thomas W. Cohen
Law firm:	Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Attorney:	Thomas W. Cohen
Email:	tcohen@kelleydrye.com
Address:	3050 K Street, N.W.
	Suite 400
	WASHINGTON, DC 20007

Comment is over 10,000 characters. Submitting as attachment

Attachments

XO Comments (NTIA) Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gregory Rise
Email:	greg.rise@trustcompass.com
Address:	150 2nd St SW
	Perham, MN 56573

Replacement comments.
Replacement comments for initial submission made on March 25, 2009. This submission includes: 1)Public testimony at March 24th public meeting, 2) final expanded replacement comments, plus supporting letters from 3) NSPE, and 4) ACEC.

Attachments

Docket 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

Attached are comments of a coalition of non profit and public interest
organizations.  I can be the point of contact for this filing, and my info
is below.

Thank you,

Beth McConnell
Executive Director
Media & Democracy Coalition
2044 S. Darien St., Philadelphia PA 19148
1133 19th St., NW, 9th Floor, Washington DC, 20036
bmcconnell@media-democracy.net
Phone: 267-918-7207
Fax: 509-756-0392
www.media-democracy.net

Attachments

MDC NTIA RUS BB stim comments FINAL.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	National Grange, 1616 H Street, NW Washington, DC 20006
Email:	lwatson@nationalgrange.org
Address:	1616 H Street, NW
	Washington, DC 20006

National Grange comments

Attachments

4.13.09 NTIA broadband program comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Diane Schou
Email:	dschou@aol.com
Address:	PO Box 99
	Green Bank, WV 24944-0099

Attached is a letter relevant to this issue.

Attachments

20090403-schou to BTOP-health.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sharmain Matlock-Turner
Email:	mwhalen@gpuac.org
Address:	1207 Chestnut Street
	Philadelphia, PA 19107-4102

April 13, 2009

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
Room 4812
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20230

SUBJECT: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01 Request for Information

To Whom It May Concern:

On behalf of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC), I am submitting comments on the development of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). GPUAC is pleased that the Recovery Act appropriated $4.7 billion in funding to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This funding will be used to develop and expand broadband services to unserved and underserved areas and improve access to broadband by public safety agencies.

Now celebrating our 40th year of service, GPUAC is committed to improving the lives of working families in the Philadelphia region. GPUAC’s mission is to unite government, business, neighborhoods, and individual initiative to improve the quality of life in the region, build wealth in urban communities, and solve emerging issues. As a fiscal sponsor, we represent a coalition of more than 90 grassroots organizations, with over 500 employees serving tens of thousands of residents throughout Philadelphia, Southeast Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. As an organization that drives change, GPUAC offers programs that build wealth in our communities and improve the life chances of youth and young adults.

Our primary concern with the allocation of all of the funding provided through the Recovery Act is that it will not be invested equally in all communities. We are especially concerned about urban neighborhoods that have been disenfranchised and faced with unemployment rates already in the double digits. The following comments regarding the development of the BTOP is in response to this concern.

1. Question 4.c. Establishing Selection Criteria for Grant Awards: The Recovery Act establishes several considerations for awarding grants under the BTOP. In addition to these considerations, NTIA may consider other priorities in selecting competitive grants.
How should the BTOP prioritize proposals that serve underserved or unserved areas?

GPUAC Response: In prioritizing proposals that serve underserved or unserved areas, the BTOP should prioritize neighborhoods, especially in urban areas, where a majority of residents are not accessing Broadband services in their homes. Looking at who currently is subscribing to broadband services demonstrates that access to broadband contributes to the digital divide.

Studies have shown a substantial discrepancy in household income and access to broadband. From 60 to 85 percent of homes with incomes earning over $100,000 have broadband connections compared to 10 to 25% of homes with incomes below $25,000 (Horrigan, J.B, 2008 & Kohlenberger , 2007). In addition to the socioeconomic digital divide, there is a racial divide. While two-thirds of whites (67%) have internet access, less than half of African Americans (40%) and slightly over one-third of Latinos (38%) are able to go online from their homes.

2. Question 5. A. Grant Mechanics: The Recovery Act requires all agencies to distribute funds efficiently and fund projects that would not receive investment otherwise.
What mechanisms for distributing for distributing stimulus funds should be used by NTIA and USDA in addition to traditional grant and loan programs?

GPUAC Response: Given our concern that Recovery Act funds be invested in disenfranchised communities, GPUAC believes that nontraditional mechanisms for distributing funds should be used by NTIA and USDA. It is not likely that the Recovery Act dollars will be invested equally in all communities, if our traditional, bureaucratic pipelines for distributing government funds are used. The individuals left out will be those who need these funds the most.

We believe that NTIA and USDA, as well as all government agencies with authority over Recovery Act funds, should work with nonprofit, intermediary organizations that have the expertise and capacity to infuse funds into struggling neighborhoods. Strong intermediaries, such as GPUAC, have the flexibility to expeditiously distribute funds, the necessary connections to leaders in each neighborhood, and a proven track record of awarding, monitoring and evaluating government contracts. We can ensure that these funds are allocated to distressed neighborhoods.

3. Question 6.b. Grants for Expanding Public Computer Center Capacity. The Recovery Act directs that no less than $200,000,00 of the BTOP shall be awarded to grants that expand public computer center capacity, including at community colleges and public libraries.
What additional institutions other than community colleges and public libraries should be considered as eligible recipients under this program?

GPUAC Response: First and foremost, GPUAC strongly supports the increased funding to expand public computer center capacity. As discussed above, we are concerned about the widening digital divide between income groups and race. Internet users who depend on “third places” for access – places other than home or work – are disproportionately likely to live in households earning less than $30,000. In addition, one-fourth of African-Americans and Latinos access the internet from a “third place.”

In determining other places, we urge NTIA to consider nonprofit organizations that work with families from low-income and disenfranchised communities, including churches and other faith-based organizations. Many nonprofit organizations located in these neighborhoods have the public space and infrastructure to provide these computers to their neighbors. In addition, the community members are likely to be receiving support from these organizations or the organizations have the ability to reach-out to low-income families that currently have no access to computers.

In conclusion, thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the BTOP. GPUAC strongly believes that this program will have an impact on increasing access to broadband connections and narrowing the digital divide.

Sincerely,

Sharmain Matlock-Turner
President & CEO

Attachments

GPUAC Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michelle Reynolds
Address:	5101 San Francisco Blvd
	Sacramento, CA 95820

I support the use of public funds to extend broadband service in rural and low-income urban areas. To strengthen our nation's security and economic vitality, all towns in the United States must have broadband Internet connectivity.

NTIA-RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:27:00Z

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are being filed
on behalf of Communications 1 Network Inc.
 
Kristy Szabo
On Behalf of Communications 1 Network Inc. 
605-995-1786

Attachments

Communications 1 - NTIA-RUS Rules Comments 4 13 09.pdf

Response from State of Arizona - GITA

2009-04-13T22:27:00Z

Sirs,

Attached find State of Arizona  - Government Information Technology
Agency (GITA) response to the NTIA RFI.

 

 

Galen Updike

Telecommunications Development Manager

Government Information Technology Agency (GITA)

State of Arizona

100 N. 15th Ave, Suite 440

Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 364-4794

Attachments

GITA Response to NTIA RFI April 13 2009 _2_.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cole Sims, Rural Telecommunications Alliance
Address:	2029 K St., NW
	7th Floor
	Washington, DC 20006

see attached

Attachments

RTA Letter.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	James M. Smith
Law firm:	Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Attorney:	James M. Smith
Email:	jamesmsmith@dwt.com
Address:	1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
	Suite 200
	Washington, DC 20006-3402

Comments of ATSI Communications is attached below.

Attachments

Comments of ATSI.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	William Wells, Jr.
Email:	wwells@truebtv.com
Address:	1105 E. 31st Street
	Suite G
	Kansas City, MO 64108

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
United States Department of Commerce
Room 4812
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

We are pleased to respond to NTIA, U.S. Department of Commerce; Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture's joint request for information relative to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Attached please find an MS Word document which contains responses to the preliminary questions. We are excited about these opportunities, and appreciate the opportunity to provide input at this stage of the process.

We look forward to submitting several innovative, direct and partnership proposal submissions for future NTIA consideration.

Respectfully Submitted,

William Wells, Jr.
True Broadband Networks, LLC.
Managing Partner
1105 E. 31st Street, Ste. G
Kansas City, MO 64108
816.234.8783
wwells@truebtv.com
www.trueh2o.com

Attachments

Public Comment-WW.docx

Request for Information (RFI) Docket No. 090309298-9299-01 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-13T22:25:00Z

To whom it may concern:

Please find attached our specific comments regarding specific questions raised in the Request for Information (RFI) Docket No. 090309298-9299-01 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives:
 Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this important grant program.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NENA
Email:	bfontes@nena.org
Address:	4350 North Fairfax Dr.
	Suite 750
	Arlington, VA 22203

Comments attached.

Attachments

NTIA-RUS RFI Response_NENA.pdf

CostQuest/LinkAmerica Comments

2009-04-13T22:25:00Z

Comments of CostQuest Associates and the LinkAmerica Alliance are attached.



CostQuest Associates and the LinkAMERICA Alliance believe the advancement of
(a) broadband deployment on the supply-side and (b) broadband-based
applications on the demand-side are vital enablers to the economic
opportunity and quality of life for all Americans. As such we stand in
strong support of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP)
advanced by this proceeding.



CostQuest Associates and the LinkAMERICA Alliance are experienced broadband
mapping and assessment firms that encompass all key disciplines including
but not limited to broadband mapping, technology deployment assessment,
modeling of likely deployment costs, and the identification and assessment
of demand-side broadband applications.



CostQuest Associates and the LinkAMERICA Alliance submit the attached
comments for you review and consideration.



FYI - The comments were also submitted using the online form, but it appears
that the form is not working.





Mike Wilson

Vice President, Professional Services

CostQuest Associates

Bellevue, Washington

425.772.2261

mwilson@costquest.com

www.costquest.com



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Attachments

CostQuest_LinkAmerica_BTOP Comments 041309.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Texas House Committee on State Affairs
Law firm:	Texas House of Representatives
Attorney:	Lesley French
Email:	lesley.french_hc@house.state.tx.us
Address:	P.O.Box 2910
	Austin, TX 78768

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides for federal grants for broadband. The state of Texas lags behind the national average for the adoption of broadband services as well as other large states. There are many factors that contribute to this, but for purposes of the stimulus plan, the key factors that will lead to sustainable adoption are availability, affordability and competition. To address these factors, the state of Texas needs to maximize stimulus funds available for construction of broadband networks in unserved and underserved areas of Texas. Unserved and underserved areas include rural areas in which broadband service is unavailable, as well as economically impoverished areas in which competitive and affordable broadband service is not available.

The state of Texas would use stimulus money to fund projects that seek to deploy broadband service to the most people, in the shortest amount of time at the lowest cost. These goals are technology-neutral, as both wire line and wireless technologies have strengths and weaknesses depending on the area in which services are being deployed.

The demand for such service in Texas is at an all time high. As an increasing number of Texans subscribe to online services, broadband becomes a larger player in the telecommunications market. The number of broadband subscribers in Texas has increased 133 percent from 2005 to 2007 demonstrating a high rate of adoption and demand for broadband service as its price continues to drop to a level that more Texans can afford.

Attachments

Solomons Letter re Broadband Stimulus April 8 2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mark Cooper
Email:	markcooper@aol.com
Address:	504 Highgate Terrace
	Silver Spring, MD 20904

Attachment

TJCOG Cable Broadband Consortium - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:25:00Z

Attached are the comments of the TJCOG Cable Broadband Consortium in Docket
No. 090309298-9299-01.

I submitted these comments earlier today via NTIA's web-based comment
submission form but they have not appeared on the NTIA website and I did not
receive conformation via e-mail that NTIA had received them. I am submitting
them again via e-mail to make sure that they are received by NTIA's April 13
deadline. When the website is operational, please let me know what further
steps I should take to make sure that the comments of the TJCOG Cable
Broadband Consortium are viewable via the NTIA website.

Thanks inn advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,


Cynthia M. Pols
(202)328-0654

Attachments

TJCOG summary & comments-2009.04.13.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jim Gleason
Email:	jgleasonnw@newwavecom.com
Address:	One Montgomery Plaza
	4th Floor
	Sikeson, MO 63801

To Whom It May Concern:

On behalf of New Wave Communications, thank you for the issuing a Request for Information (ROI) regarding the broadband provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). We appreciate your willingness to solicit the views of stakeholders on this critical economic development issue.

Headquartered in Sikeston, Missouri, New Wave Communications provides communications products including high-speed internet service to rural communities in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina and Tennessee. Our company was founded in 2003 with a handful of employees and roughly 17,000 cable customers in Tennessee and Missouri, and we have grown every year since then. Today, NewWave is a company of over 450 employees that delivers broadband and other critical communications technologies to approximately 110,000 customers in six states.

Our management team has over 100 years of combined experience delivering cable to rural America, and we welcome President Obama’s commitment to joining us in this endeavor. Like him, we believe broadband access is an essential tool of rural economic development. This core belief is something we have delivered on since the company’s inception. And with ARRA resources, we can advance this strategy even deeper into rural America than we already are.

NewWave has identified projects in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and South Carolina that are all ideal candidates for ARRA broadband support. Previously considered by the company and quickly shelved once the economy soured last fall, each project would offer download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps to the people of these communities. Likewise, each project is primed and ready to commence within days of an award. And most importantly, these projects would all provide a much needed economic boost for the people of the affected communities.

Considering the stakes of the program, we urge both agencies to ensure the broadband program is structured so that the objectives of the ARRA are met. Clearly defining the “un-served” and “under-served” categories is an important step in this regard. We believe un-served areas are those in which at least 50 percent of the households do not have access to reliable broadband of 1.5 Mbps downloads and 128 Kbps uploads. Similarly, we view under-served areas to be those where 50 percent of the households have access to speeds of 5.0 Mbps downloads and 500 Kbps uploads. Such definitions will help ensure only the most deserving communities receive federal broadband support.

Determining which entities qualifies for support is also vital. While nonprofits will play an important role in this program, private enterprises, like NewWave, are better equipped to effectively and efficiently build out broadband in the allotted timeframe. Further, only those private entities that can demonstrate they have experience in delivering broadband service over the past several years ought to qualify for ARRA financial support. Indeed, special care must be given to ensure awards are not made to overly opportunistic entities that have neither the professional experience nor financial wherewithal to deliver meaningful broadband services in the long-run.

We believe the requirement that USDA give priority to previous Rural Utility Service (RUS) borrowers should also be closely examined. NewWave is proud to have been built with private investment and should not be penalized for not seeking out RUS resources in the past. We have a solid broadband build out plan for our service area and the expertise to make it work. As such, we simply ask to be judged on the merits of our submission.

The types of projects proposed under the program also matter. Priority should be given to projects that extend “middle mile” fiber networks to major fiber optic highways attaching rural areas to high-capacity fiber lines, particularly in the under-served areas. This lack of middle mile infrastructure is one of the greatest impediments to broadband delivery to rural America, and ARRA resources should be strategically invested to address this key infrastructural shortcoming.

Similarly, “last mile” projects should be limited to un-served areas that truly lack this critical infrastructure. NewWave has already invested our own resources in developing “last mile” infrastructure in the communities we serve, and it would imprudent to utilize taxpayer resources to duplicate these efforts.

Given the tight deadlines, close coordination between the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) and RUS is paramount. We applaud the level of cooperation that has taken place to date and encourage both agencies to continue this effort into the future. More specifically, we encourage you to consider adopting a common application process for the grant resources. Such an approach would remove much uncertainty from the applicant’s point of view and should streamline the review process for the government as well.

Thank you again for the opportunity to comment on the structure of the broadband program. We appreciate your consideration and support for rural America.

Sincerely,

Jim Gleason
President & Chief Executive Officer

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	National Association of County and City Health Officials
Address:	1100 17th St NW
	Suite 200
	Washington, DC 20036

Please find attached comments from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) on the NTIA Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

Attachments

NACCHO's response to call for comments on ARRA 2009 broadband initiatives - 2009-04-13.doc

CDT comments on BTOP

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Attached please find written comments of the Center for Democracy &
Technology on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.  These
comments are in Word format.

If there is any problem with the transmission, please contact David
Sohn at 202-637-9800 x317.

Attachments

CDT NTIA comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mike Hammett
Email:	mhammett@ics-il.net
Address:	16256 Crego Rd.
	DeKalb, IL 60115

I am a member of WISPA and support their comments. However, I would like to reinforce a few points.

Private entities should be given priority over public entities. When the government funds a public entity, it removes those organizations from the potential client pool for the business. That reduces the viability of a region to receive further private investment. It also reduces the public entities' willingness to partner with a private entity in a larger endeavor, as I have encountered.

Bank and other financial institution commitments should count as private investment.

I do not agree with WISPA's methods for disbursement. Postponing spending of money quarters at a time only puts recipients closer to the 2 year deadline. Months may be more adequate. I intend to start most of the proposed work within a month of disbursement.

I should be permitted to perform the work myself with my own staff, equipment, and materials instead of paying more to have other entities do the work for me.

The federal government should encourage local entities to not be overly restrictive in working with providers in construction of necessary facilities such as towers and fiber optics.

Projects should be selected on the basis of the most bang for the buck for the most people. EG: Two projects have the same cost, but one project does 30 megs over 8k sq miles and the other does 100 megs over 3 sq miles, the 8k sq mile project should prevail.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Neal M. Goldberg
Email:	ngoldberg@ncta.com
Address:	25 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. -- Suite 100
	Washington, DC 20001-1431

Please see attached.

Attachments

041309 NTIA Stimulus comments.pdf

Comments of SouthernLINC Wireless, Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Attached please find the comments of SouthernLINC Wireless in response
to the NTIA and RUS joint request for information on the Broadband
Technology Opportunities Program.  The filing is submitted in duplicate,
one version in Word format and one in PDF format.

Regards,

Holly
Holly Henderson
External Affairs Manager
678.443.1670


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Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kenneth R. Boley
Law firm:	Office of the Chief Technology Officer
Attorney:	Kenneth R. Boley
Email:	kenneth.boley@dc.gov
Address:	Office of the Chief Technology Officer
	441 4th Street, NW, Suite 930S
	Washington, DC 20001

Please see comment attached.

Attachments

DC Government BTOP Comments 4-13-09 FINAL.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gabriela Lemus
Email:	glemus@lclaa.org
Address:	815 16th Street, 4th Floor
	washington, DC 20006

April 13, 2009

The Honorable Anna Gomez
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230

Dear Secretary Gomez:

For over 30 years, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) has provided a voice for Latino working families. As the main representative of approximately 1.7 million Latino trade unionists, we strongly believe in the social and economic empowerment of our communities and work tirelessly as an advocate for the rights of our Latino workers.

In a time of economic turmoil and job uncertainty, we must ensure that Congress continues to support legislation and programs that promote job creation and investment and not burdensome regulations. To this end, the LCLAA applauds the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes more than $7 billion for broadband deployment.

As our methods of communications become more sophisticated, access to broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Minority and low-income communities have been disproportionately affected by the widening digital divide and need access to educational opportunities as well as life-saving health care programs. Broadband enables our Hispanic families to bridge this digital gap and can facilitate their social and economic advancement during this time of need.

As a leader in the Hispanic community, LCLAA strongly encourages the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to quickly, efficiently, and transparently disperse the funding from the stimulus to the state and local leaders to get these activities off and running. It is also imperative to get the mapping process underway quickly so communities can accurately identify underserved and unserved areas and direct resources.

To this end, the NHLA recommends the following four principles:

1) Get Broadband to All Parts of the Country – Mapping current availability of broadband is critical to ensuring that money is used efficiently and effectively. Identifying areas of need throughout all fifty states through the mapping process will provide information on broadband availability by community and allow for efficient dispersal of funds.

2) Reliance on state and local expertise – State and local leaders have a thorough understanding of what their communities need. By awarding grants to these leaders, there will be a greater likelihood that state and local government along with community-based organizations can identify qualified providers with sustainable business plans to ensure that broadband systems can reach those areas in greatest need first through the creation of public-private partnerships.

3) Transparency and Accountability – Eliminating potential waste and inefficiencies are essential to maximizing the benefits of the stimulus money. As state and local leaders help guide deployment, there must be a built-in mechanism for providing transparency to ensure funds are used appropriately.

4) Prioritize Communities of Need – Funding must focus first and foremost on deployment to those communities where no broadband connections exist. State and local organizations along with qualified providers can help focus attention on such unserved and underserved areas first, followed by the other communities that also need additional broadband access.

Delivery of next-generation broadband services will spur innovation, investment and create good paying jobs, while also helping provide solutions to some of the country’s biggest challenges like health care, education and energy efficiency. Technology and broadband is a gateway to social, political, and economic empowerment for all working families across our nation.

Sincerely,

Gabriela D. Lemus
Executive Director

Attachments

NTIA letter - LCLAA.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Plymouth IN Chamber of Commerce
Email:	plychamber@plychamber.org
Address:	120 N. Michigan St
	Plymouth, IN 46563

NTIA should give priority to projects/programs with the following characteristics:

1. The project will have multiple proposes. For example, a project that provides broadband to public entities (schools, libraries, and emergency services) as well as provides high speed (at least 1Gb/s) to business and industry for job creation should be awarded a grant over a single user type project.

2. The project will be sustainable. Projects that provide evidence (through letters of intent) from subscribers insuring economic viability “build it, we’re here” should receive high priority, as opposed to “if we build it, they will come” projects. Projects illustrating the ability to grow and change to meet future market conditions and demand and that provide the highest speed and bandwidth (20 years ago, few imagined today’s processing speeds) should be funded.

3. The project will enhance competition. Projects that incorporate a vendor-neutral platform and that provide multiple (four or more) choices to subscribers should be awarded a grant as opposed to projects with limited competition, or choices, for subscribers.

4. The applicant should have a proven track record. Either on their own, or by partnering with an entity with a minimum of three (3) years experience in delivery of high speed broadband applications.

5. The highest possible priority should be given to projects proposed in areas suffering from the current economic recession and very high unemployment rates. These areas, with an unemployed, yet skilled, workforce are the locations offering the best opportunities for job creation, which is a fundamental goal of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

6. Funding should be awarded to projects proposed by local public and/or private entities as opposed to state agencies. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act proposes to fund projects as quickly as possible to stimulate the economy. Adding another layer of bureaucracy is contrary to this purpose.

7. The project has demonstrated that federal funding is essential to the project and that private enterprise and private capital alone are insufficient and local public funding infeasible. At the same time, projects that include a substantial private and/or local investment (20% or more of the project cost) should be awarded a grant. Contributions from local public entities and private capital are important because these local contributions demonstrate commitment to the project. If the project is not worth spending money on locally, why should the federal government invest in the project?

NTIA should approach the definition of underserved in as flexible a manner as possible to help ensure the funding is applied to projects with the greatest probability of success. Underserved should be construed to mean communities suffering severely from current economic conditions, as well as communities who are underserved by having limited (and thus more costly) broadband vender choices and limited speed (less than 1Gb/s) availability.

BTOP comments

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z


Attached are the comments of the Iowa Telecommunication Association in
Docket No. 090309298-9299-01 for filing.



Dave Duncan, CAE

President

Iowa Telecommunications Association

2987 100th Street

Urbandale, IA 50322

515.867.2091

www.i-t-a.net

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rick Askoff
Address:	80 South Jefferson Road
	Whippany, NJ 07981

See attachment below

Attachments

041309nitaruscomments.pdf

Tribal rural broadband priority recommendations

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Barbara: let me take one more revised submission of NTTA's broadbans stimulus recommendations.  

Eric Jensen
Policy Counsel
National Tribal Telecommunications Association (NTTA)
519 Tennessee Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305
(703) 683-3742
pcs: (703) 868-8325

Attachments

National Tribal Telecommunications Association Stimulus Recommendations.dot

Response to RFI 090309298-9299-01 - ARRA Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Dear Dr. McGuire-Rivera,

Please find attached Ernst & Young's responses to RFI 090309298-9299-01,
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives. The
attached file is in Microsoft Word 2003 format.

We hope that this response will prove useful to you in navigating the
challenging path forward in implementation of the Act's mandate. Please
do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or requests
for clarification as to any of the content of the attached.

Best regards,
Gaeron McClure

Gaeron R. McClure | Partner | Transaction Advisory Services

Ernst & Young LLP
200 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094, United States of America
Office: +1 201 872 1460 | Cell: +1 214 587 9701 | gaeron.mcclure@ey.com
Fax: +1 866 430 9675
Website: www.ey.com

Any U.S. tax advice contained in the body of this e-mail was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by the recipient for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provisions.
________________________________________________________________________
The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.

Notice required by law: This e-mail may constitute an advertisement or solicitation under U.S. law, if its primary purpose is to advertise or promote a commercial product or service. You may choose not to receive advertising and promotional messages from Ernst & Young LLP (except for Ernst & Young Online and the ey.com website, which track e-mail preferences through a separate process) at this e-mail address by forwarding this message to no-more-mail@ey.com. If you do so, the sender of this message will be notified promptly. Our principal postal address is 5 Times Square, New York, NY 10036. Thank you. Ernst & Young LLP

Attachments

Response to RFI 090309298-9299-01 4-13-09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	National Governors Association
Email:	dparkhurst@nga.org; dquam@nga.org
Address:	444 North Capitol Street, N.W.
	Suite 267
	Washington, DC 20001

See attached .pdf file

Attachments

BB Filing to NTIA RUS 041309.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alaska Federation of Natives
Law firm:	not applicable
Attorney:	Donna Goldsmith
Email:	nangapak@nativefederation.org
Address:	1577 C Street, Suite 300
	Anchorage, AK 99501

See Attachment for this

Attachments

AFN Comments on Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Julie McDaniel
Email:	info@monroecounty.com
Address:	105 College Street, Suite 6
	Madisonville, TN 37354

We need broadband throughout Monroe County, TN it is essential in communication for our communities and our citizens.

Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

Dear Sirs and Mesdames - Attached in Word format is the comment of NTCH,
Inc. in the referenced ARRA Docket.

 

 

Donald J. Evans

Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth

1300 N. 17th St.

11th Floor

Arlington, VA 22209

703-812-0430 (phone)

703-812-0486 (fax)

Attachments

Final Comments of NTCH (00055054).DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Scott Musser
Email:	btop@evenlink.com
Address:	650 Champs Avenue,
	Sunbury, PA 17801

On behalf of EvenLink, LLC, we greatly appreciate the NTIA allowing the public to comment on this significant process. Please refer to the attached PDF re: Comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Service on Rules for Broadband Grants and Loans

Attachments

NTIA Comments 4 13 09 Final2.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeff Ferry
Email:	jferry@infinera.com
Address:	169 Java Drive
	Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Infinera is the leading producer of long-haul optical neworking equipment in North America. We have pleasure in enclosing our recommendations for the broadband stimulus program. We have two principal recommendations, listed below, and a full discussion is in the attached letter from our CEO.

(1) The stimulus program guidelines should support US-based technologies and US companies that invest in R&D in the US.

(2) The guidelines should support green technologies, i.e. energy-efficient optical networking technologies.

Thank you.
Best wishes,
Jeff Ferry
Director, Communications
Infinera

Attachments

Infinera letter NTIA-RUS_13April09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Wendy Wigen
Attorney:	John Windhausen
Email:	wwigen@educause.edu
Address:	1150 18th Street N.W.
	Suite 1010
	Washington, DC 20036

attached

Attachments

EDU NTIA RUS Comments4.13.2009.pdf

Fwd: Trouble confirming comment attachment

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z


>>> "Boley, Kenneth (OCTO)"  4/13/2009 4:30:59 PM
>>>
The confirmation page indicates that the comment ("Please see comment
attached") that I submitted on behalf of the District of Columbia
Government at 4:43 on April 9 was received in Docket
090309298-9299-01.
However, there is no indication on the confirmation sheet that the
attachment (which actually contains the comment) was received.  Can
you
please confirm?



Thanks



Kenneth Boley

Director, Intergovernmental Initiatives

Office of the Chief Technology Officer

Government of the District of Columbia

441 4th Street, NW, Suite 930S

Washington, DC. 20001

202-478-5879

kenneth.boley@dc.gov

www.octo.dc.gov

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chuck Hassebrook
Email:	chuckh@cfra.org
Address:	145 Main St.
	Lyons, NE 68038

My comment is focused on Grants for Innovative Programs to Encourage Sustainable Adoption of Broadband Service. I would suggest you set aside 20% of the funds for initiatives to develop new microenterprise and new jobs through adoption and innovative uses of broadband in rural and inner city areas.

This could provide at least partial support for multifaceted development initiatives, such as efforts to rehabilitating older rural downtown or urban buildings as incubators for business startups by current or new residents – especially on-line businesses that serve markets beyond the local community, typically providing business services to larger metro based companies. Local nonprofit community development corporations could be funded to buy and rehabilitate buildings, bring in broadband and offer them to micro businesses for a reasonable monthly rent – reducing upfront capital costs. Most small towns have under used historic buildings that are being allowed to deteriorate because of declining retail business prospects. Many of those buildings can be saved now at modest cost, or left to deteriorate until they must be condemned and removed at higher cost. Broadband adoption funds could be used to develop on line businesses, including development of incubators for on-line businesses, linking small rural entrepreneurs with distant businesses in need of their services, recruiting people back home to start on-line businesses and providing strategic support for marketing on-line business services to large metro based businesses. The market for such services appears to be growing. For example, NCS International of Omaha says it will produce over 3,000 jobs and self employment opportunities in rural and inner city areas, including skilled and professionals positions.

There is great potential among folks who grew up in rural America, got a college degree and then went off to a major metropoliten area to work for a large employer. Many have marketable skills that could be the basis for a business providing services to distant metro companies. Many of those folks would like to return to rural America if they figure out a way to make a living. This could be the way.

The businesses they start could provide higher quality jobs for low and moderate income people living in these communities. Those who upgrade their skills at community colleges etc. could be provided access to the quality of jobs that enable them to move fully into the middle class.

One criteria for selection of grants addressing sustainable adoption of broadband should be the extent to which the project promotes innovative applications of broadband that create quality job and self employment opportunities in low and moderate income rural and urban communities.

Fwd: BTOP comments - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z


>>> Cynthia Pols  4/13/2009 4:22:06 PM >>>
I submitted comments on behalf of the Triangle J (NC) Cable Broadband
Consortium on the BTOP program a few minutes ago. However, they have
not
appeared on the NTIA website. Is there something wrong with the
website? I
have attached a copy of the comments on question to make sure that they
are
included in the docket for this proceeding.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.

Cynthia M. Pols
(202)328-0654

Attachments

TJCOG summary & comments-2009.04.13.pdf

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Comments

2009-04-13T22:17:00Z

Attached are the comments from Cumberland Internet, Inc. regarding the
proposed Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

Attached comments are in a Word format dcoument titled
rural-broadband.doc. We are also including a PDF format of the same
document, in case there are formatting issues. titled rural-broadband.pdf.

Thank you.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Diane Schou
Email:	btop@wavr.org
Address:	PO Box 99
	Green Bank, WV 24944

Attached is a letter to President Obama regarding wireless problems, composed by well informed people. Signatures are being gathered nationwide.

Attachments

ToObama.pdf

Comments on Section 6001

2009-04-13T22:17:00Z

Attachments

The Continua Health Alliance Broadband Comments

2009-04-13T22:18:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:



Please find attached comments from the Continua Alliance directed to
criteria considerations for the BTOP grants.



We appreciate the opportunity to file on behalf of our 180 members.



Sincerely,



Chuck Parker

Executive Director

Continua Health Alliance





For further questions:

chuck.parker@continuaalliance.org

direct    781 724-8872

office    503 619-0867

Attachments

Continua Broadband Comments 4-13-09.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mark Hipsher
Email:	graingercomayor@frontiernet.net
Address:	Grainger County Mayor's Office
	P.O. Box 126
	Rutledge, TN 37861

To whom it may concern:

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please see the below file attachment.

Thank you,
Mayor Mark Hipsher
865-828-3513

Attachments

ACF77B0.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy, & Prendergast, LLP
Law firm:	Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy, & Prendergast, LLP
Attorney:	Mary J. Sisak
Address:	2120 L Street NW
	Suite 300
	Washington, DC 20037

The following comments are submitted on behalf of the 58 rural incumbent local exchange carriers (Rural ILECs) and the centralized equal access providers (CEA Providers) listed therein.

Attachments

Rural Carriers NTIA - RUS Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Accell Systems, Inc.
Email:	adavis@accellsystems.com
Address:	1900 W. Park Drive
	Suite 280
	Framingham, MA 01701

Comments are contained in the two attachments.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	ConnectedTN
Email:	dwatkin@winbeam.com
Address:	1004 Gray Lane
	Duncansville, PA 16635

Rural areas with high unemployment provide special challenges to NTIA/RUS economic recovery strategies. More specifically, there are unique needs for this constituency, and there are constraints that should be considered in implementing the program.

Many rural communities have lost manufacturing jobs as a result of aging facilities and an under prepared workforce. Unemployment and economic hardship are pervasive, and traditional economic development strategies will not meet current needs.
 Aging facilities and “brownfield” development provide very limited opportunities for job creation in the manufacturing sector. Environmental considerations and inadequate information infrastructure severely limit the attractiveness of rural areas for redevelopment.
 The rural workforce is typically under prepared in the skill sets required in an information-intensive economy. Laid off workers require the development of 21st century skills to be competitive in the marketplace.
 Young people in K-16 education in rural areas also have a competitive disadvantage because they have not had access to technologically intensive learning experiences. School resources are limited, and they frequently do not have access to high-speed Internet access or computers at home.

The NTIA/RUS programs in the ARRA should address these unique needs.
 Information infrastructure in rural areas should be built out so that there is a level playing field between urban and rural areas. This can be done by aggregating demand and leveraging the investment that service providers have made to serve rural school districts. The ARRA can provide communities with resources to help create rural service hubs from which commercial providers can develop a residential and commercial subscriber base. The subsidy is needed to enable the subscribers to have access at affordable rates.
 Instructional technology needs to be made available for workforce development and K-16 education. School districts and community facilities need to secure facilities that will provide convenient access to information and educational resources. Creative partnerships should be encouraged to support after school and summer programs and a comprehensive range of career development and workforce development programs. Programs such as the Tennessee Computers for Kids (C4K) should be supported as part of such creative partnerships.

The NTIA/RUS programs in the ARRA should address internal policies that constrain rural communities from taking advantage of the program.
 The current practice weighs the grants so that only the most rural, high poverty communities are funded. This should be replaced with a competitive program that would provide resources to more typical rural communities. Limiting finding to the most rural communities limits the impact of the program as a economic stimulus strategy and effectively disenfranchises most high need rural communities.
 The twenty percent matching requirement should be applied in the most flexible way possible. While the funding program will ideally create public/private partnerships, those communities that do not have established relationships with investors should have a way of participating in the program. The very limited amount of state funding available at this point in time will greatly limit the matching funds available to many rural communities.

Buy American!

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators,


Please put restrictions on equipment purchased with Stimulus monies and
keep these monies in the United States as much as as possible. Many
broadband telecommunications companies manufacture outside of the United States.
To effectively administer stimulus dollars lets spend this money in the USA.

Please do not send my taxpayer money overseas!

Respectfully,

Thomas Taber
1200 Country Club Drive Apt 1305
Largo, Florida 33771

COMMENTS: BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM, re: Puerto Rico

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

We have noted that the ‘‘American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’’ in the Broadband Technology section, Sec. 6001 of H.R. 1, (see text and highlighted portions below) seems to clearly contemplate Puerto Rico being part of the program.  Please refer to Sec. 6001 (c), which provides that “[t]he Assistant Secretary may consult a State, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States.”  Please refer also to Sec. 6001 (e), which provides that “[t]o be eligible for a grant under the program, an applicant shall—(1)(A) be a State or political subdivision thereof, the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States.”

 

Further along, however, the text of the act guarantees one project in every “State,” without specifically mentioning the territories or possessions.  Please refer to Sec. 6001 (h), which provides that “[t]he Assistant Secretary, in awarding grants under this section, shall, to the extent practical—(1) award not less than 1 grant in each State.”

 

We believe that when the act guarantees one project in every “State,” this provision should be interpreted to include the territories or possessions of the United States, including Puerto Rico, because it appears that Congress clearly intended to include Puerto Rico in this program by providing that “the Assistant Secretary may consult a State, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States.”  

 

H. R. 1

 

TITLE VI—BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM

SEC. 6000. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The table of contents of this title is as follows:

TITLE VI—BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM

Sec. 6000. Table of contents.

Sec. 6001. Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

SEC. 6001. BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM.

(a) The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications

and Information (Assistant Secretary), in consultation with the

Federal Communications Commission (Commission), shall establish

a national broadband service development and expansion program

in conjunction with the technology opportunities program, which

shall be referred to as the Broadband Technology Opportunities

Program. The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that the program

complements and enhances and does not conflict with other Federal

broadband initiatives and programs.

(b) The purposes of the program are to—

(1) provide access to broadband service to consumers

residing in unserved areas of the United States;

(2) provide improved access to broadband service to consumers

residing in underserved areas of the United States;

(3) provide broadband education, awareness, training,

access, equipment, and support to—

(A) schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers,

community colleges and other institutions of higher education,

and other community support organizations and

H. R. 1—399

entities to facilitate greater use of broadband service by

or through these organizations;

(B) organizations and agencies that provide outreach,

access, equipment, and support services to facilitate greater

use of broadband service by low-income, unemployed, aged,

and otherwise vulnerable populations; and

(C) job-creating strategic facilities located within a

State-designated economic zone, Economic Development

District designated by the Department of Commerce,

Renewal Community or Empowerment Zone designated by

the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or

Enterprise Community designated by the Department of

Agriculture;

(4) improve access to, and use of, broadband service by

public safety agencies; and

(5) stimulate the demand for broadband, economic growth,

and job creation.

(c) The Assistant Secretary may consult a State, the District

of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States with

respect to—

(1) the identification of areas described in subsection (b)(1)

or (2) located in that State; and

(2) the allocation of grant funds within that State for

projects in or affecting the State.

(d) The Assistant Secretary shall—

(1) establish and implement the grant program as expeditiously

as practicable;

(2) ensure that all awards are made before the end of

fiscal year 2010;

(3) seek such assurances as may be necessary or appropriate

from grantees under the program that they will substantially

complete projects supported by the program in accordance

with project timelines, not to exceed 2 years following an award;

and

(4) report on the status of the program to the Committees

on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the

Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House

of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science,

and Transportation of the Senate, every 90 days.

(e) To be eligible for a grant under the program, an applicant

shall—

(1)(A) be a State or political subdivision thereof, the District

of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States,

an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-

Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450(b))

or native Hawaiian organization;

(B) a nonprofit—

(i) foundation,

(ii) corporation,

(iii) institution, or

(iv) association; or

(C) any other entity, including a broadband service

or infrastructure provider, that the Assistant Secretary

finds by rule to be in the public interest. In establishing

such rule, the Assistant Secretary shall to the extent practicable

promote the purposes of this section in a technologically

neutral manner;

H. R. 1—400

(2) submit an application, at such time, in such form,

and containing such information as the Assistant Secretary

may require;

(3) provide a detailed explanation of how any amount

received under the program will be used to carry out the

purposes of this section in an efficient and expeditious manner,

including a showing that the project would not have been

implemented during the grant period without Federal grant

assistance;

(4) demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Assistant Secretary,

that it is capable of carrying out the project or function

to which the application relates in a competent manner in

compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws;

(5) demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Assistant Secretary,

that it will appropriate (if the applicant is a State

or local government agency) or otherwise unconditionally obligate,

from non-Federal sources, funds required to meet the

requirements of subsection (f);

(6) disclose to the Assistant Secretary the source and

amount of other Federal or State funding sources from which

the applicant receives, or has applied for, funding for activities

or projects to which the application relates; and

(7) provide such assurances and procedures as the Assistant

Secretary may require to ensure that grant funds are used

and accounted for in an appropriate manner.

(f) The Federal share of any project may not exceed 80 percent,

except that the Assistant Secretary may increase the Federal share

of a project above 80 percent if—

(1) the applicant petitions the Assistant Secretary for a

waiver; and

(2) the Assistant Secretary determines that the petition

demonstrates financial need.

(g) The Assistant Secretary may make competitive grants under

the program to—

(1) acquire equipment, instrumentation, networking capability,

hardware and software, digital network technology, and

infrastructure for broadband services;

(2) construct and deploy broadband service related infrastructure;

(3) ensure access to broadband service by community

anchor institutions;

(4) facilitate access to broadband service by low-income,

unemployed, aged, and otherwise vulnerable populations in

order to provide educational and employment opportunities to

members of such populations;

(5) construct and deploy broadband facilities that improve

public safety broadband communications services; and

(6) undertake such other projects and activities as the

Assistant Secretary finds to be consistent with the purposes

for which the program is established.

(h) The Assistant Secretary, in awarding grants under this

section, shall, to the extent practical—

(1) award not less than 1 grant in each State;

(2) consider whether an application to deploy infrastructure

in an area—

H. R. 1—401

(A) will, if approved, increase the affordability of, and

subscribership to, service to the greatest population of users

in the area;

(B) will, if approved, provide the greatest broadband

speed possible to the greatest population of users in the

area;

(C) will, if approved, enhance service for health care

delivery, education, or children to the greatest population

of users in the area; and

(D) will, if approved, not result in unjust enrichment

as a result of support for non-recurring costs through

another Federal program for service in the area; and

(3) consider whether the applicant is a socially and

economically disadvantaged small business concern as defined

under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637).

(i) The Assistant Secretary—

(1) shall require any entity receiving a grant pursuant

to this section to report quarterly, in a format specified by

the Assistant Secretary, on such entity’s use of the assistance

and progress fulfilling the objectives for which such funds were

granted, and the Assistant Secretary shall make these reports

available to the public;

(2) may establish additional reporting and information

requirements for any recipient of any assistance made available

pursuant to this section;

(3) shall establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure appropriate

use and compliance with all terms of any use of funds

made available pursuant to this section;

(4) may, in addition to other authority under applicable

law, deobligate awards to grantees that demonstrate an insufficient

level of performance, or wasteful or fraudulent spending,

as defined in advance by the Assistant Secretary, and award

these funds competitively to new or existing applicants consistent

with this section; and

(5) shall create and maintain a fully searchable database,

accessible on the Internet at no cost to the public, that contains

at least a list of each entity that has applied for a grant

under this section, a description of each application, the status

of each such application, the name of each entity receiving

funds made available pursuant to this section, the purpose

for which such entity is receiving such funds, each quarterly

report submitted by the entity pursuant to this section, and

such other information sufficient to allow the public to understand

and monitor grants awarded under the program.

(j) Concurrent with the issuance of the Request for Proposal

for grant applications pursuant to this section, the Assistant Secretary

shall, in coordination with the Commission, publish the

non-discrimination and network interconnection obligations that

shall be contractual conditions of grants awarded under this section,

including, at a minimum, adherence to the principles contained

in the Commission’s broadband policy statement (FCC 05-15,

adopted August 5, 2005).

(k)(1) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of

this section, the Commission shall submit to the Committee on

Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the

Senate, a report containing a national broadband plan.

H. R. 1—402

(2) The national broadband plan required by this section

shall seek to ensure that all people of the United States have

access to broadband capability and shall establish benchmarks

for meeting that goal. The plan shall also include—

(A) an analysis of the most effective and efficient

mechanisms for ensuring broadband access by all people

of the United States;

(B) a detailed strategy for achieving affordability of

such service and maximum utilization of broadband infrastructure

and service by the public;

(C) an evaluation of the status of deployment of

broadband service, including progress of projects supported

by the grants made pursuant to this section; and

(D) a plan for use of broadband infrastructure and

services in advancing consumer welfare, civic participation,

public safety and homeland security, community development,

health care delivery, energy independence and efficiency,

education, worker training, private sector investment,

entrepreneurial activity, job creation and economic

growth, and other national purposes.

(3) In developing the plan, the Commission shall have

access to data provided to other Government agencies under

the Broadband Data Improvement Act (47 U.S.C. 1301 note).

(l) The Assistant Secretary shall develop and maintain a comprehensive

nationwide inventory map of existing broadband service

capability and availability in the United States that depicts the

geographic extent to which broadband service capability is deployed

and available from a commercial provider or public provider

throughout each State. Not later than 2 years after the date of

the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall make

the broadband inventory map developed and maintained pursuant

to this section accessible by the public on a World Wide Web

site of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration

in a form that is interactive and searchable.

(m) The Assistant Secretary shall have the authority to prescribe

such rules as are necessary to carry out the purposes of

this section.

 

 

Cordially,

 

Debbie Bermudez

LASA, MONROIG & VEVE, LLP

1250 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC 20036

Tel: 202-261-3502 ▪ Fax: 202-261-3523

Email: dbermudez@lmvlaw.com 

 

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Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Karen R Jackson
Email:	karen.jackson@governor.virginia.gov
Address:	Office of the Secretary of Technology
	PO Box 1475
	Richmond, VA 23218

Comments attached

Attachments

Commonwealth of VA - NTIA-RUS response.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dean R. Brenner
Attorney:	Dean R. Brenner
Email:	dbrenner@qualcomm.com
Address:	2001 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
	Suite 350
	Washington, DC 20006

Please see attached comments.

Attachments

Comments to NTIA & RUS on Stimulus Final.pdf

IEEE-USA Comments on BTOP

2009-04-13T22:32:00Z

(Sent on behalf of Deborah Rudolph.)

Attached is IEEE-USA's comments on the new Broadband Technology
Opportunities Program (BTOP)
being established by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) as contained
with Section 6001 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(Recovery Act).

Should you have any questions or need more information, please contact
Deborah Rudolph at (202) 530-8332, or at d.rudolph@ieee.org.

Thank you.





Bernadette Concepcion
Staff Assistant, Government Relations
IEEE-USA
2001 L Street, N.W., Suite 700
Washington, DC  20036
+ 202 530 8365, phone
+ 202 785 0835, fax
E-mail:  b.concepcion@ieee.org
www.ieeeusa.org

***********************************************************
     IEEE. Fostering technological innovation and
     excellence for the benefit of humanity.

     Celebrating 125 Years of Engineering the Future
     www.ieee125.org

***********************************************************

Attachments

Comments to BTOP-NTIA RFI Final.doc

Comments of the City of New York

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Please find attached comments of the City of New York regarding the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives,
Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.

 

 

 

Kate Hohman

Project Manager

Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications

75 Park Place, 9th Floor

New York, NY  10007

Phone:  (212) 513-6484

Fax:  (212) 788-6528

Attachments

City of New York_NTIA RFI Comments_04.13.09.pdf

NTIA- RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are being filed
on behalf of Atkins Telephone Company.
 
Kristy Szabo
On Behalf of Atkins Telephone Company 
605-995-1786

Attachments

Atkins Telephone - NTIA-RUS 4 13 09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brad Bowman - Program Director, AccessDelray.org
Address:	2910 Gulfstream Rd
	Gulfstream, FL 33483

Based upon the great job that the NTIA has done in opening up public commentary on BTOP, at least one more round of BTOP Public Meetings is called for.

These meetings could be somewhat consolidated and could focus on issues that have come to the forefront as a result of this invaluable process.

The FCC was noticeably absent at these public meetings and we need to address and research past FCC spectrum rule and policy changes to determine how the NTIA and RUS will proceed with BTOP.

Brad Bowman
bbowman@accessdelray.org

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeffrey A. Campbell
Email:	jeffrcam@cisco.com
Address:	1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 250
	Washington, DC 20004

Attached.

Attachments

Cisco NTIA RUS Comments 041309.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Fibercrossing
Email:	william.zayas@fibercrossing.net
Address:	City View plaza suite 107
	Guaynabo, PR 00968

After reviewing the stimulus package, fibercrossing believe in a inclusion criteria based on first innovation future proof concept, economic stimulus and job creation. is very important which every state or territory like us is very individual scenario.
Fibercrossing promote the creation of Intelligent Communities(IC) based on ultra high speed fiber optics access to improve communities style of life and stimulus local knowledge incubator.
separating infrastructure from services we can create a wing-wing situation for every party involve, public, private and constituents.
This model is a winning envision on major broadband visionary like Europe and South Korea and Japan.

Broadband Comments

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

On behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Governor Steve Beshear,
the Finance Administration Cabinet and Commonwealth Office of Technology
submit the attached comments in response to a federal request for
information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Broadband
Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), which was issued jointly by the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and
the USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

 

Enclosures.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Jamie Wodoson
Email:	sen.jamie.woodson@capitol.tn.gov
Address:	6 Legislative Plaza
	Nashville, TN 37243

See attached support letter

Attachments

Connected TN & Computers for Kids Program.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Scott Musser
Email:	slkgage@ptd.net
Address:	650 Champs Avenue
	Sunbury, PA 17801

On behalf of EvenLink, Inc.LLC, we greatly appreciate the NTIA allowing the public to comment on this significant process. Please refer to the attached PDF filere: Comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Service on Rules for Broadband Grants and Loans

Attachments

ACF779A.pdf

Comments of Sage Telecom, Inc. in Response to Joint Request for Information Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

 

            Sage Telecom, Inc. "Sage" files in the above-referenced
docket its Comments in the matter of American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 (the "Recovery Act") Broadband Initiatives.  Should you have
any questions regarding this filing, please do not hesitate to contact
the undersigned.  

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Robert W. McCausland

Vice President and Secretary

Sage Telecom, Inc.

805 Central Expressway South

Suite 100

Allen, TX 75013-2789

Tel: (214) 495-4878

 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this ELECTRONIC
MAIL transmission is CONFIDENTIAL. It may also qualify as privileged
work product or proprietary information. This information is intended
for the exclusive use of the addressee(s). If you are not the intended
recipient, you are here by notified that any use, disclosure,
dissemination, distribution (other than to the addressee(s)), copying,
or taking of any action because of this information is strictly
prohibited.

Attachments

Comments of Sage Telecom Inc In Response To Joint Request For Information 041309.DOC

FairPoint Communications Comments to NTIA and RUS

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Enclosed for filing please find the Comments of FairPoint
Communications, Inc. and Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC,
d/b/a FairPoint Communications-NNE (collectively "FairPoint
Communications") to NTIA and RUS regarding Recovery Act broadband
programs.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free
to contact me at (207) 791-3191 or alandry@preti.com.

Andrew Landry, Esq.
Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios
45 Memorial Circle, PO Box 1058
Augusta, ME 04332-1058

Tel. 207.623.5300
Fax 207.623.2914
<> <>

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This E-Mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential and / or exempt from discovery or disclosure under applicable law. Unintended transmission shall not constitute waiver of the attorney-client or any other privilege. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and have received it in error, please do not distribute it and notify me immediately by E-mail at ALandry@preti.com or via telephone at 207-791-3000 and delete the original message. Unless expressly stated in this e-mail, nothing in this message or any attachment should be construed as a digital or electronic signature or as a legal opinion.

Attachments

Recall: Comments of Sage Telecom, Inc. in Response to Joint Request for Information Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:16:00Z

Karl, Andrew would like to recall the message, "Comments of Sage Telecom, Inc. in Response to Joint Request for Information Docket No. 090309298-9299-01".

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mark Hipsher
Email:	graingercomayor@frontiernet.net
Address:	Grainger County Mayor's Office
	P.O. Box 126
	Rutledge, TN 37861

To Whom It May Concern:

Please see the attached comments below in the file attachments. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Thank you,
Mayor Mark Hipsher
865-828-3513

Attachments

Connected Tennessee Computers 4 Kids Comments.doc

RTC response to NTIA and RUS joint RFI

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Greetings,

 

Please accept the attached response, in HTML and MS Word formats, to the
NTIA and RUS joint RFI on broadband programs in the American
Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 on behalf of the Rural
Telecommunications Congress.

 

Sincerely,

-- Greg

 

Greg Laudeman

President, Rural Telecommunications Congress
 

Project Manager,  Enterprise Innovation Institute
 , Georgia Tech
 

5 S. Public Sq., Suite 104

Cartersville, GA 30120

Phone: 706-271-5521

Fax: 770-387-4001

Web: www.innovate.gatech.edu

E-mail: greg.laudeman@innovate.gatech.edu

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Anthony Centrella, Director, Division of Telecommunications, NJBPU
Email:	anthony.centrella@bpu.state.nj.us
Address:	New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
	Two Gateway Center, 8th FL
	Newark, NJ 07102

Please find attached comments of Governor Jon S. Corzine, State of New Jersey.

Attachments

Vilsack 4.13.09 stimulus NTIA Comments3.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter
Email:	kcharbison@ch-cs.org
Address:	315 Gillespie Rd.
	Chattanooga, TN 37411

As a recipient of computer from this program, I would like to stress the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years. The agency I work for was lucky enough to receive 6 computers which are now serving children in the State foster care system as well as low-income parents who utilize our childcare center.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
Katie Harbison

Comments of Sage Telecom, Inc. in Response to Joint Request for Information Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

 

Dear Sir or Madam:

 

 

            Sage Telecom, Inc. "Sage" files in the above-referenced
docket its Comments in the matter of American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 (the "Recovery Act") Broadband Initiatives.  Should you have
any questions regarding this filing, please do not hesitate to contact
the undersigned.  

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Robert W. McCausland

Vice President and Secretary

Sage Telecom, Inc.

805 Central Expressway South

Suite 100

Allen, TX 75013-2789

Tel: (214) 495-4878

 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this ELECTRONIC
MAIL transmission is CONFIDENTIAL. It may also qualify as privileged
work product or proprietary information. This information is intended
for the exclusive use of the addressee(s). If you are not the intended
recipient, you are here by notified that any use, disclosure,
dissemination, distribution (other than to the addressee(s)), copying,
or taking of any action because of this information is strictly
prohibited.

Attachments

Comments of Sage Telecom Inc In Response To Joint Request For Information 041309.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bruce T. Frankiewich
Attorney:	Bruce T. Frankiewich
Email:	bfrankiewich@afsnetworks.com
Address:	100 Meridian Centre
	Suite 300
	Rochester, NY 14618

See Attached

Attachments

NTIA Comments_041309 PM.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Scott Musser
Address:	650 Champ Avenue
	Sunbury, PA 17801

On behalf of EvenLink, LLC, we greatly appreciate the NTIA allowing the public to comment on this significant process. Please refer to the attached PDF for comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Service on Rules for Broadband Grants and Loans(As authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)

Attachments

NTIA BTOP Comments.pdf

Comments on National Telecommunication and Information Administration and Rural Utilities Service Broadband Provisions of the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Please find attached comments for the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Broadband Provisions of the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are submitted in accordance with the instructions found in the Federal Register posting of March 12, 2009.  These comments are submitted on behalf of the State of Florida.  Thank you.

Don Winstead
Special Advisor
 to Governor Charlie Crist
Telephone: 850-487-7914 (Assistant, Joan Morgan)
Direct Line:  850-488-5228
Cell:  850-528-6099
Email: Don.Winstead@myflorida.com

Attachments

OER Broadband Comments to NTIA and RUS 04-13-09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John T. Nakahata
Law firm:	Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP
Address:	1200 Eighteenth NW
	Washington, DC 20036

The comments from General Communication Inc. on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Rural Utilities Service queries regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives are attached.

Attachments

GCI NTIA and RUS comments 4.13.09.pdf

Comments

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Good afternoon;

I have attempted to submit the attached comments in .pdf format at
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm per the March 12, 2009
Federal Register Notice.  However, whenever I attempted to do so, a
message appeared saying that "comments were required," so I am uncertain
if the submission via the web page for was successful.

In any event, per the instructions in the Federal Register notice, I am
also submitting the comments, attached to this message.  Please let me
know if you have any questions.  Thank you,

Steve

Steve Pastorkovich
OPASTCO Business Development Director/
Senior Policy Analyst
202-659-5990 ext. 217
http://www.opastco.org

Attachments

NTIA-RUS.pdf

BTOP Request for Information - Comments of the City of Chicago - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

The City of Chicago is filing the attached comments with the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) of the U.S.
Department of Commerce and the Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to the joint request for
information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Broadband Initiatives.
 
Docket No. 090309298-9299-01
 
If you require further clarification on the City of Chicago's comments,
please contact me, as I will be serving as the initial point of
contact.
 
We thank you for this opportunity to provide our input, and look
forward to the overall success of this important initiative.  
 
 
 
 

Dean C. Tsilikas

Associate Director
 
City of Chicago
Washington, D.C. Office
202.783.0911 (W)
312.848.8778 (M)
dtsilikas@cityofchicago.org

 




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by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged
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recipient of this e-mail (or the person responsible for delivering
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Attachments

City of Chicago BTOP Comments.pdf

Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

On behalf of Vonage Holdings Corp., attached are Vonage's comments on
the NTIA/RUS joint request for information on the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009's Broadband Initiatives, NTIA/RUS Docket No.
090309298-9299-01.  Please contact me if you have any questions.

 

Brendan Kasper
Senior Regulatory Counsel
 | 23 Main Street | Holmdel, NJ  07733
t: 732.444.2216| c: 848.219.9567
e: brendan.kasper@vonage.com 
w: www.vonage.com  

 

 

NOTE: The information contained in this email message is considered
confidential and proprietary to the sender and is intended solely for
review and use by the named recipient.  Any unauthorized review, use or
distribution is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message
in error, please advise the sender by reply email and delete the
message.

Attachments

Comments in Docket 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Dear Sirs and Mesdames - Attached in Word format is the comment of
McCotter Hotel Operations, Inc. in the referenced ARRA Docket.

 

Donald J. Evans

Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth

1300 N. 17th St.

11th Floor

Arlington, VA 22209

703-812-0430 (phone)

703-812-0486 (fax)

Attachments

McCotter NTIA Comments (00054723).DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Paul W. Schroeder, Vice President, Programs and Policy
Email:	pws@afb.net
Address:	American Foundation for the Blind
	1660 L Street, N.W., Suite 513
	Washington, DC 20036

April 13, 2009

Ms. Anna Gomez
Deputy Assistant Secretary
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Gomez:

On behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), I am pleased to comment on NTIA’s plans to distribute funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create broadband networks in unserved and underserved areas. We urge the NTIA to employ the most efficient processes to deliver service to the areas of highest need with the help of state and local leaders.

For nearly ninety years, AFB has worked tirelessly to expand possibilities for individuals experiencing vision loss of all ages. In doing so, AFB has pioneered the development and implementation of accessible technology and sound public policy meeting the unique needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. Our leadership was instrumental in the enactment of section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a landmark legislative promise that telecommunications technologies and services be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. That promise can only be fulfilled adequately through the widespread availability, affordability and accessibility of broadband services and technologies.

Fair and affordable access to information of all kinds through broadband is essential to the safety, productivity, empowerment and independence of all Americans. Significantly improved and wisely implemented broadband deployment will enable people with disabilities, particularly those with vision loss, to gain access to life-saving health, employment and educational programs and services and enable them to be better informed to timely respond to emergencies and other hazardous circumstances.

To make this possibility a more realizable reality, broadband mapping will also play a large role by allowing our states to identify the areas that need broadband first. Accountability and efficiency go hand-in-hand, and the sooner the NTIA can disperse funds to the states, the sooner broadband will begin to more effectively play a part in changing the lives of all people with disabilities. Mapping stimulus funds should be done on a priority basis and achieved through close consultation with state and local governments to exercise the most relevant judgment for best stimulating their regional economies. Many of these local governments have experience working with public-private partnerships that will aid in network construction and management.

The NTIA must also include strong provisions of transparency and accountability throughout the entire process. Specifically, state proposals to the NTIA should provide in-depth information regarding how applicants will ensure their funds and deployment reach prioritized areas that do not have access to broadband. Additionally, while NTIA must not set up unnecessary regulatory hurtles that inhibit growth and investment and subsequently dissuade potential participants from deploying broadband, we believe strongly that stimulus funds should not be used to invest in services and technologies that are not accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. America's broadband infrastructure should be built in light of current policy expectations, not the least of which is the section 255 mandate for telecommunications accessibility. To that end, the NTIA should focus its attention on those potential broadband customers both with and without disabilities who are truly unserved, namely those living where no affordable and accessible broadband services currently exist. Until mapping is completed and more detailed plans are developed, the states should be relied upon to allow proper identification of unserved areas in the near term and make sure that qualified providers with sustainable business plans are meeting expectations. Once this clear priority has been met, attention should then be turned toward the task of targeting remaining funds to underserved areas where broadband is not as widely available, affordable and accessible as it could be.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to offer comment on this important and transformative initiative.

Sincerely,

Paul W. Schroeder
Vice President, Programs and Policy
American Foundation for the Blind

Attachments

Paul W. Schroeder, American Foundation for the Blind, NTIA comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	m.ciesla@cecimy.com
Email:	m.ciesla@cecimy.com
Address:	486 Wilton
	Palo Alto, CA 94306

Expand Funding for Broadband Development Beyond “List of Materials”

Congress recently passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, parts of which authorize the Rural Utility Service (RUS) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to distribute funds totaling over $7 billion to support development of broadband internet service.

In the past the RUS developed important programs to provide loans and grants to purchase certain types of broadband infrastructure – primarily equipment such as wires, cables, and wireless hubs. However, to most effectively and efficiently promote broadband internet use, it is critical to also fund products and technologies that will be directly used by end-users. Such products and technologies can significantly enhance growth of rural broadband internet access and potentially save the government billions of dollars. Innovative technologies and products that lower the cost of adoption by end users, that make it easier for them to physically use broadband devices, that offer increased flexibility of use, and that stimulate demand are essential for the successful expansion of effective, sustainable rural broadband.

In the past, the primary method RUS has used for distributing funds has been to have the recipient organizations apply the allocated money to the purchase and installation of items from a predetermined “List of Materials” broken down into 6 categories: (1) wire and cable, (2) housing, splice cases, etc., (3) miscellaneous splicing materials, (4) electrical protective devices, (5) access, central office, and transmission equipment, wireless networks, electronic network elements, and (6) general hardware.

This earlier approach, however, excludes a few critical categories technologies for enhancing rural broadband access devices. Specifically, (a) technologies that reduce the cost of accessing, and improve the usability of end-users devices that connect to broadband networks in rural areas; (b) technologies that increase the actual usability of end-users broadband connection devices in rural areas; and (c) technologies used by end-users that promote rapid adoption of broadband access by individuals and businesses. Some of these important technologies may be currently in development and as such might not fit well into a current ‘List of Materials.” However, those technologies and products may be able to reach the broad market in large volumes within one to three years. Therefore, a modification from past funding rounds would greatly enhance development of broadband and should be strongly considered.

Investment in technology used by end-users can dramatically reduce the cost of rural broadband access by potentially billions of dollars while increasing adoption rates among the population. Moreover, such investment directly provides more jobs and directly enhances America’s competitiveness in the world through home-grown technologies and significantly improved rural broadband.
We write this letter to urge the RUS (and NTIA) to expand their loan and grant program to include – as a as a separate category or categories in addition to its “List of Materials” – the funding of products and technologies for use by end-users that can enhance rural broadband access.

Attachments

Public Comment to RUS and NTIA.doc

BTOP RFI Comments of NENA

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Attached are the comments of the National Emergency Number Association
(NENA) in response to the NTIA/RUS RFI concerning the Recovery Act
broadband initiatives.  The comments were also submitted online.  

 

Best regards,

 

Patrick Halley

Government Affairs Director

NENA

Attachments

NTIA-RUS RFI Response_NENA.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Motorola, Inc.
Address:	1455 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 900
	Washington, DC 20004

See attachment.

Attachments

FINAL MOTOROLA NTIA RUS COMMENTS.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brad Bowman - Program Director, AccessDelray.org
Address:	2910 Gulfstream Rd
	Gulfstream, FL 33483

Checking the Status of Your Current Local Community EBS (2.5GHz) Spectrum License

Licensees of this spectrum are non-profits in your Community, City, or County. These non-profits include state government agencies, state universities and university systems, public community and technical colleges, private universities and colleges, public elementary and secondary school districts, private schools (including Catholic school systems in a number of large metropolitan areas), public television and radio stations, hospitals and hospital associations, and private, non-profit educational entities.

http://www.accessdelray.org/Check+Status+of+2.5+GHz+EBS.html

Brad Bowman
bbowman@accessdelray.org

Attachments

Check status of local EBS License.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Larry Goldberg
Email:	larry_goldberg@wgbh.org
Address:	WGBH
	1 Guest St
	Boston, MA 02135

Attached comments regarding access to broadband for people with disabilities from NCAM, Inclusive Technologies.

Attachments

ACF7768.doc

Joint Request of NTIA and RUS for Comments re 2009 Broadband Stimulus - Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Attached herewith is USTelecom's Comments in the above-referenced
docket.  Please accept the attached filing for your records.

 

Thank you.

 

Meena Joshi

Law & Policy

USTelecom

607 14th Street, NW, Suite 400

Washington, D.C. 20005

mjoshi@ustelecom.org  

P: (202)326-7273

F: (202)315-3351

www.ustelecom.org  

NOTE:  This message, and any attachments, is intended only for the
above--identified recipient(s).  The information contained herein may be
privileged, confidential or proprietary, and its use or disclosure by
other than the intended recipient(s) is prohibited and may be unlawful.
If you have received this electronic communication in error, kindly
delete it without re-publication or printing and notify me immediately.

Attachments

20090413_USTelecom Comments re NTIA Broadband Stimulus.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Marc Goldburg Exec VP of Technology Strategy
Address:	ASSIA Inc.
	303 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 203
	Redwood City, CA 94065-1417

Please find in the attached PDF file the comment from ASSIA Inc. 303 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 203 Redwood City CA 94065-1417

Attachments

ASSIA Comments NTIA Docket 090309298-9299-01 FCC Docket GN 09-04.pdf

Filing

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Comments of the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. on BTOP


Privilege and Confidentiality Notice
The information in this message is intended for the named recipients only. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, do not print it or disseminate it or its contents. In such event, please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete the e-mail file immediately thereafter. Thank you.

Attachments

041309nitaruscomments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Terry Nenaber
Email:	terry@linksat.com
Address:	3010 south potter drive
	Tempe, AZ 85282

We would like to find out how we can get involved in the technology grant campaign. We have patented and partially developed new start of the art technology for applications in all forms of media. This is a bandwidth savings technology that is the only thing like it on the market. We need to employ engineers, sales people and a variety of technical people to finalize the product and get it to market. We have been in business for 10 years and this will launch us into a new and exciting business area and we will expand dramatically with the proper backing. Private sector funding is incredibly difficult to find and we are on the verge of being very successfull. We need some help. All information is available on our website www.linksat.com . Thank you

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
Email:	dcason@jeffersoncountytennessee.com
Address:	532 Patriot Drive
	Dandridge, TN 37725

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Larry Goldberg
Email:	Larry_Goldberg@wgbh.org
Address:	WGBH
	One Guest St.
	Boston, MA 02135

Comments re: access to broadband for people with disabilities attached. Submitted by NCAM & Inclusive Technologies

Attachments

NCAM-Inclusive BTOP Comments.doc

Attempt to submit comment on Docket Number 090309298-9299-01 by ASSIA Inc.

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

I have attempted to submit the attached Comment, from ASSIA Inc.  to
the NTIA public comment website at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm
at approximately 2:30PM EDT today.

Although I received the confirmation notice that is copied below, I
have as of 3:15 not seen ASSIA Inc.'s comment posted on the NTIA
website at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments.cfm.
It is my understanding that posted comments should appear on the NTIA
site within several minutes of a successful upload.

To ensure that ASSIA Inc.'s comment is filed timely, I attach a copy
of ASSIA Inc.'s comment to this email as a PDF file along with a copy
of the confirmation message received from the NTIA site.
I would appreciate receiving confirmation of this email and that the
attached file has been received by NTIA and has been properly filed as
a comment for NTIA Docket Number 090309298-9299-01.

Best regards,
Peter Silverman
Director Standards and Technical Marketing
ASSIA Inc.
847 475 7667
847 475 5177(fax)

Attachments

ASSIA Comments NTIA Docket 090309298-9299-01 FCC Docket GN 09-04.pdf

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program ROI

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z



_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live�: Keep your life in sync.
http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1a_explore_042009

Attachments

worldcablentia.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ann Bishop
Email:	abishop@illinois.edu
Address:	501 E. Daniel Street
	Graduate School of Library & Information Science
	Champaign, IL 61820

Please see attached comments from the Graduate School of Library & Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Attachments

FCCBroadbandComment.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alliance for Digital Equality
Email:	tsmalls@adeql.org
Address:	1447 Peachtree St., Ste 550
	Atlanta, GA 30309

Please see attached.

Comments of the Alliance for Digital Equality

In response to your request for comment published on March 10, 2009, the Alliance for Digital Equality wishes to offer its perspective on the disposition of broadband funds provided by the ARRA with special focus on the issue of broadband adoption.

The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE), a non-profit organization registered in the state of Georgia, was established two years ago as an advocate for communities that have not yet realized the full benefit of the information age revolution. In fulfillment of that mission, we seek to educate consumers about the benefits of broadband. With the help of local Digital Empowerment Councils in major American cities, we also act as a bridge between minorities and other underserved Americans and public policymakers on issues related to information technology.

Broadband Internet access is a transforming technology that can open the door to economic opportunity and individual empowerment, especially for minority communities that have often been the last to benefit from societal progress. Like electricity and telephone service before it, broadband is fast becoming an essential utility. Those who cannot or do not embrace it will lose out on vast opportunity. For those who are already lagging behind economically and socially, lack of broadband will tend to bury them even more firmly at the bottom of American society.

Thus, ADE enthusiastically welcomes the commitment of the new administration and the Congress to spread broadband throughout America and to designate a substantial portion of the economic stimulus package to programs that support both the deployment and adoption of broadband.

ADE’s Perspective on the Current Broadband Landscape

As we survey the broadband landscape, we see a mixture of good and bad. The rapid deployment of wireline network infrastructure by the private sector means that more than 90 percent of Americans live in communities where service is available, often from multiple providers, and some 60 percent of American households are currently wired to broadband. Wireless networks also are connecting more Americans every day to broadband Internet service, and minorities have readily embraced the wireless option. Although the digital divide between white and non-white Americans persists, it has narrowed significantly in recent years thanks to continued deployment and, especially, to declining prices. Narrowing this divide so that all Americans enjoy broadband service is ADE’s highest priority. To that end, we have consistently warned policymakers to avoid policies that would tend to add to the cost of broadband services and jeopardize recent progress by reducing the ability of lower-income Americans to afford broadband. Indeed, in light of the current recession, policies that boost costs could well force some lower income Americans to give up recently-acquired broadband service.

Despite the upward trend in broadband adoption, nearly 43.7 million households in urban America are without broadband, according to the US Census Bureau. Substantial pockets of rural America also lack access to broadband service especially where lower population density and greater geographic distances between potential subscribers erode the economic case for deployment. The present economic downturn could have a long term adverse impact on universal adoption by a large number of Americans to sign up for broadband service even where it is available. When asked by the Pew Foundation why they are not using broadband, more than half of non-Internet users and dial-up users said they aren’t interested, are too busy, or simply don’t want to switch. More than 15 percent of other hold outs said it was a waste of time, too difficult, or they were too old. Many of the 9 percent of adults who rely on dial up for broadband access said price was an important obstacle. Indeed, Pew data shows that lower income Americans make up a disproportionate number of those who do not have broadband service.

In light of this data as well as our ongoing consultations with community leaders around the country, ADE has developed a policy agenda to accelerate the spread of broadband in both currently unserved and underserved communities. While many of these policy proposals are outside the specific scope of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program to be established by the NTIA or grants and loans to be provided by RUS, we believe they offer important context as you develop program criteria and also give texture to ADE’s specific comments below. Therefore, we have attached our broad policy recommendations as an informational resource.

ADE’s Specific Recommendations

Wide deployment of broadband infrastructure means that more than 90 percent of Americans have the opportunity to subscribe to broadband, but only about 60 percent of American households have in fact exercised the broadband option. Data indicates that low awareness of broadband benefits is the root cause of this gap. To close that gap, ADE urges NTIA and RUS to place a high priority on fulfilling ARRA’s mandate to “provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment and support” to programs that promote greater use of broadband. Such digital literacy programs will stimulate adoption by familiarizing participants with technology and raising awareness of the benefits of broadband service.

We also note the Congressional directive to support organizations and agencies that seek “to facilitate greater use of broadband service by low-income, unemployed, aged, and other vulnerable populations.”

These types of targeted programs will directly address the concerns of those who now report little or no interest in broadband. Programs that directly deliver economic, educational and health opportunities will also spur adoption. Therefore, ADE encourages NTIA and RUS to support programs to introduce Americans to information technology and the Internet, provide training in IT skills, hands on experience with Broadband, and education about online safety. We also encourage funding for telemedicine programs that use broadband to deliver health care services and remote monitoring and support for programs that remotely connect individuals to academic opportunities and job training. Such tangible demonstrations will stimulate adoption among those Americans who are not subscribing to broadband because they do not fully appreciate its ability to improve their lives.

Of course, digital literacy alone will not deliver broadband for those who cannot afford to buy a computer and/or subscribe to a broadband service. Demonstrating the value of broadband will persuade some Americans that broadband is important enough to be included in their budget; they will discover that they can “afford” it. But, others simply lack the means. To address affordability issues, targeted programs that provide broadband access through community broadband centers in public locations such as libraries, schools, other government buildings or non-profit organizations merit consideration. We also encourage support for programs that provide free or low-cost computers and Internet connections to lower income Americans. In addition, stimulus program funds might be directed to the Federal Lifeline/Linkup program to provide discounts on broadband service for low-income Americans.

Programs that reduce barriers to adoption will accelerate progress toward America’s national goal of universal broadband by addressing the largest portion of those who do not currently enjoy broadband at home. However, these programs will not help the smaller number of Americans who live in communities where the network infrastructure does not deliver broadband service.

Thus, NTIA and RUS also must direct significant funding for programs that promote new deployment in areas where broadband connections are not now available. We believe part of the answer is so-called demand aggregation programs through public-private partnerships and local economic development authorities. By concentrating a large number of potential subscribers, demand aggregation can successfully build an economic case that will persuade network providers to deploy the necessary infrastructure.

In other instances, direct lending to service providers and grants to stimulate deployment may be the only way to overcome the financial barriers that discourage private investment in currently unserved areas. Importantly, we believe such direct deployment funding should be limited to those areas where broadband service is not currently available. Additionally, direct deployment funding should be limited to one provider in a community to increase the likelihood that the service will be economically sustainable over the long term. In our view, the government should not provide support for two providers in the same area as such “overbuild” funding might jeopardize long-term sustainability by reducing the number of some subscribers available to support the new service. We believe that every American in the 21st century should have equal access to affordable and reliable broadband, which will enhance the quality of life through the delivery of vital e-services in communities and particularly underserved and un-served neighborhoods across the United States.

Respectfully submitted,

Alliance for Digital Equality

Appendix I

ALLIANCE FOR DIGITAL EQUALITY
Policy Agenda to Put Broadband in Every Home

National Policy

Build on initiatives funded in the stimulus bill through a combination of adoption and deployment strategies as identified below

1. Promote broadband deployment and adoption by resisting, reducing or eliminating taxes and policies that raise the cost of broadband service and hurt consumers; embrace policies that support and encourage investment in IT and broadband infrastructure.

2. Expedite development of a national broadband map and supporting data collection to guide broadband expansion strategies in underserved communities.

3. Provide digital opportunity grants and financial assistance to support local digital literacy and technology opportunity programs (TOPs), especially in minority and rural communities, and enable broadband adoption by those who cannot afford home broadband on their own.

4. Encourage broadband adoption by expanding the use of information technology and online services in sectors such as health care, education, and e-gov to raise the value of residential broadband.

5. Launch a public education campaign that raises awareness in minority, rural and underserved communities of the educational, economic, social and health care opportunities it provides.

6. Update the Universal Service Fund to provide direct support for build-out of broadband infrastructure in rural America and other unserved and underserved communities.

State and Local Policies

1. Initiate statewide broadband mapping and community IT-needs assessment programs to identify priority areas for broadband promotion and for training programs to build digital literacy and computer skills.

2. Develop public-private partnerships to address barriers to computer ownership and residential broadband adoption, and also to encourage local economic development strategies that stimulate broadband deployment by aggregating demand and developing “anchor” customers for advanced network services.

3. Provide subsidies, grants and computer recycling to provide low-cost computers and/or other broadband-capable devices including netbooks and smart phones to K-12 students from low-income households.

4. Incorporate computer literacy and digital skills training into school curriculum beginning in early elementary school. Establish grade-appropriate computer literacy testing as part of promotion requirements.

5. Establish community-based learning centers in underserved communities to develop computer literacy and proficiency in core office software programs and to demonstrate the value of broadband. Leverage this training to develop an IT-ready workforce that attracts job-creating businesses to minority communities.

6. Set up computer and Internet access sites in public venues such as libraries, schools, churches and government buildings in underserved communities to provide broadband for those who do not have service at home.

7. Promote broadband adoption by removing regulatory and other service barriers, including local video franchise licensing and excessive fees for rights-of-way access, that raise subscription costs to consumers.

Attachments

ADE NTIA ARRA Comments 4 13 09 FINAL.doc

Garrett Coalition Broadband RFI Response 4-09

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Please find attached to this e mail the Garrett County Maryland
Coalition response to the NTIA Request for Information regarding the
BTOP and RUS Broadband Grant/Loan programs under the Ammerican Recovery
and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

We are please to submit this response, and look forward to working with
the NTIA and RUS as we develop our plans for improving broadband
services in Garrett County Maryland.

Please address any questions to me at the contact information shown
below.

Thank you.

Frank Shap
Assistant Director
Garrett County Department of Economic Development
203 South 4th Street, Room 208
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1986 office
301-616-1615 mobile
fshap@garrettcounty.org
www.gcedonline.com
--------------------------------------------------------

This message and any files transmitted with it are intended only for the individual(s) or entity named. If you are not the intended individual(s) or entity named you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or reliance upon its contents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender, delete the original, and destroy all copies. Email transmissions cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. Garrett County Government therefore does not accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the contents of this message, which arise as a result of email transmission.

Garrett County Government,
203 South Fourth Street, Courthouse, Oakland, Maryland 21550 www.garrettcounty.org

Attachments

broadband RFI Response 4-09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Heather E. Hudson
Email:	hudson@usfca.edu
Address:	151 Lake Merced Hill
	San Francisco, CA 94132

see attached

Attachments

NTIATestimonyHeatherHudson.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Charlotte Engel
Email:	cmleonard@mindspring.com
Address:	1221 Wildcliff Pkwy
	Atlanta, GA 30329

My understanding is that the purpose of RUS is to "improve access to broadband in areas without service or that lack sufficient access to high speed broadband service to facilitate economic development."
The agency should invest in projects that will redefine broadband accessibility for citizens in the US and place this country back in a leadership role as to providing our people with the tools they need for education, communication and for creating competitive business opportunities. I am a strong believer that non-profit organizations, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination are a necessity and action must be taken NOW....

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Verizon
Attorney:	William H. Johnson
Email:	will.h.johnson@verizon.com
Address:	1320 North Courthouse Road
	9th Floor
	Arlington, VA 22201

Please see attached.

Attachments

04 13 09 Verizon Comments on Stimulus Grant Program.pdf

WorldNet NTIA/RUS (final)

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

To Whom It May Concern-
 
Attached please find comments of WorldNet Telecommunications, Inc. in
response to the Joint Request for Information and Notice of Public
Meetings, 74 Fed. Reg. 10716 (Mar. 12, 2009), Docket No.
090309298-9299-01,
 
Regards,
 
Doane F. Kiechel
Fleischman and Harding LLP
1255 23rd Street, NW
Eighth Floor
Washington, DC  20037
(202) 939-7907
Counsel for Stratophone, LLC

Attachments

204208_1.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Nicols Fox
Address:	HC 66 461A
	Renick, WV 24966

In the implementation of high-speed broadband it is vitally important, for the health and safety of both humans and the rest of the natural world, to emphasize fiber-optics over wireless. Over the past few decades we have created a dense artificial electro-smog, an unnatural atmosphere of electromagnetic fields, disseminated with out thorough scientific considerations for its environmental impact.
I am one of the millions who have become electro sensitive. My case is severe. After exposure to an industrial-strength UPS device twelve years ago, my sensitivity has increased to the point that I can no longer function in any ordinary modern environment. I cannot tolerate a lamp, listen to a radio, or be near any electrical appliance. Shopping and obtaining heath care are challenges. Travel is not an option. I am a writer who cannot use a computer, email, or most telephones. The physical reactions have gone far beyond the subjective ones of acute pain and discomfort. The effects of exposure on my body can be easily observed and measured in BPM, blood pressure, and heart rhythms. While I can, with difficulty, create an endurable, if primitive, living situation by eliminating all or most electricity, I can do nothing about wireless transmissions.
Wireless is no respecter of property rights. I cannot, practically speaking, wall it out.
My existence is now at risk. I am desperately seeking an area remote from cell towers, satellite, and microwave emissions, that will allow me simply to continue living. Everyday it becomes more of a challenge. The thought of universal wireless is, frankly, terrifying. But while my case is acute, there are many others equally sensitive. And, there is ample serious scientific evidence that radio frequency radiation is not healthy for anyone or any living thing. The enthusiasm for it, despite plentiful warnings, represents, in my view, a kind of collective madness.
We are sensitive electric beings, vulnerable to changes in our electrical environment. For the health of our species and every living thing on this planet common sense and the precautionary principle must be applied. Wireless is not a safe option.

Transcribed and Submitted for Nicols Fox, by Diane Schou

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program ROI

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

  
  
April 13, 2009
  
BY EMAIL
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
Rm 4812
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230
  
  Re: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband 
Initiatives
   NTIA and RUS Joint Request for Information
  
Ladies and Gentlemen:
  
  World Cable is pleased to have this opportunity to comment on the 
Joint Request
for Information (the “ROI”) published by the National 
Telecommunications and
Information Administration (“NTIA”) and the Rural Utilities Services 
(“RUS”) on March
12, 2009.  As discussed below, World Cable is seeks to assure that the 
communities it
serves qualify for grants pursuant to the statutory goal of 
“provid[ing] improved access to
broadband services to consumers residing in underserved areas of the 
United States”.
World Cable urges NTIA to construe the term “underserved” to recognize 
the needs of
ethnically diverse populations residing in urban areas, who are 
frequently low-income
and financially disadvantaged and who are currently not receiving 
affordable, sustainable
services.  World Cable further urges NTIA and RUS to recognize that 
not all
“underserved” populations live in rural or remote areas, but can also 
live in quite urban
settings, literally around the corner from “well-served” populations.
  
  World Cable provides very cost effective, creative triple-play 
solutions to certain
residential buildings in New York City.  The triple-play solution 
provides a voice, video
and data services at cost effective rates in buildings in New York 
City.  World Cable
upgrades the infrastructure in buildings throughout New York where the 
incumbent local
exchange carrier (ILEC) has no current upgrade plans and provides new 
services to the
residents, mostly immigrants, at affordable prices that include 
content from their nations
of origin. World Cable provides a very secure, cost effective Internet 
access service
operating at up to 150 times the speed of dial up Internet access and 
up to two times as
fast as dsl.  Residential and small business customers are capable of 
securely using World
Cable’s services anywhere in their homes and common areas.  For the 
past 5 years,
World Cable has contracted with residential property developers in New 
York City to
provide a triple play of services in residential multi-family dwelling 
complexes
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
April 13, 2009
Page 2
  
   
encompassing nearly 30,000 residential units.  Although World Cable 
currently has
networks deployed only in properties in New York City, it is looking 
to expand its
services to other major urban areas.
  
  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Act”) 
allocated a
total of $4.7 billion to NTIA for a new Broadband Technology 
Opportunities Program
(“BTOP”).   The Act sets forth that the BTOP is intended to provide 
improved broadband
access in “underserved areas.”  In support of the effort to provide 
broadband service to
“underserved areas” the BTOP funds may be utilized to provide 
broadband education,
training, access, equipment, and support to organizations that provide 
outreach, access,
equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband 
service by low-
income, unemployed, aged, and otherwise vulnerable populations and 
stimulate the
demand for broadband, economic growth, and job creation. Consistent 
with these
objectives, BTOP competitive grants are available, among other things, 
for acquisition of
broadband equipment, instrumentation, networking capability, hardware 
and software,
digital network technology, and infrastructure; deployment of 
broadband services and
related infrastructure; facilitating access to broadband by 
low-income, unemployed, aged,
and “otherwise vulnerable” populations in order to provide educational 
and employment
opportunities; and other matters consistent with the purposes behind 
BTOP.
  
  As Free Press noted in a report published as recently as April 7, 
20091,
  
“[f]or many urban residents, high-speed Internet services,
which typically cost $40 to $60 per month, are simply too
pricey. Compounding the Internet access problem, many
people are unable to afford a computer or lack the skills to
navigate the Web. And just like their rural counterparts,
some urban areas have been redlined by Internet service
providers that refuse to offer service to communities that
may not provide as large a financial return.  Many urban
residents are locked out, unable to participate fully in the
digital era. They’re prevented from applying for jobs,
telecommuting, taking online classes or even finishing their
homework. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Internet
connectivity is key to a sound economy and could assist
those hit hardest by the economic downturn.”
  
  It is therefore critical that the NTIA and RUS consider the 
economically
disadvantaged living in large, urban centers when establishing a 
definition of what is
“underserved.”  The Joint Explanatory Statement released by the 
Congressional conferees
confirms than, in evaluating each application, NTIA must consider 
whether an

1 
  “Wired Less: Disconnected in Urban America,” released April 7, 2009, 
available at www.freepress.net.
  
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
April 13, 2009
Page 3
  
   
infrastructure grant will increase the affordability of, and 
subscribership to broadband.
Clearly, then, the mere availability in an urban area of a 
multiplicity of broadband
providers does not mean that particular pockets and communities within 
the area are not
“underserved” or that BTOP applicants who are prepared to build new 
infrastructure
targeted to, and priced for, lower income areas should not be funded 
even where other
providers may have facilities being offered at prices that simply do 
not meet the needs of
this segment of the population.  This population should not be 
forgotten as these
definitions are established.  Companies like World Cable are offering 
creative solutions
for the disadvantaged members of our society, and with such 
technological opportunities
each of those residents is able to put themselves in a position to 
succeed. “Although
Internet usage is in general becoming more widespread, access remains 
deeply structured
along existing lines of social inequality. Income, gender, geography 
(especially
urban/rural location), race/ethnicity, level of education, age—all 
continues to be
significant predictors of access and skill levels
.”2   
Without access like the services
provided by World Cable, the “digital divide” for this population will 
only continue to
widen.
  
  Updating broadband access in the multiple dwelling unit complexes 
(MDUs) in
which these vulnerable residents live is a highly efficient way to 
implement the goals and
policies of the Act.  Grant funds would be used for acquisition of 
broadband equipment,
instrumentation, networking capability, hardware and software, digital 
network
technology, and infrastructure and to deploy broadband services and 
related
infrastructure.  Indeed, but for the availability of BTOP funding, it 
can be virtually
impossible to sustain a business case that allows for the lower 
pricing that Free Press
notes will be an essential element of closing the “broadband” gap that 
now exists
between the advantaged and disadvantaged elements of society.
  
  Broadband access will provide increased opportunities for residents 
served by
World Cable to seek employment, work from home, and study and learn 
from home
through access to on-line educational opportunities for adults and 
school-aged children
alike, and even facilitate over time the provision of telemedicine and 
other health care
benefits within these vulnerable communities.
  
  World Cable encourages NTIA to recognize such proposals as eligible 
for BTOP
funding in an “underserved” area. World Cable also hopes to obtain 
funding that will
allow these vulnerable populations to obtain the customer premises 
equipment that are
also key to their ability to fully utilize the enormous advantages 
that broadband provides.
Indeed, by providing these populations access to the number of 
applications available to
other segments of the populace, and by providing content in their own 
language, these

2 
  Mossberger, Caroline J. & Tolbert, Karen, 2006. “New Inequality 
Frontier: Broadband
Internet Access.” EPI Working Paper No. 275. Available at 
 http://www.epinet.org/workingpapers/wp275.pdf.
  
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
April 13, 2009
Page 4
  
   
residents are able to reduce their overall monthly communication 
costs, while also
accessing the crucial broadband services required in today’s economic 
world.
  
  In conclusion, the term “underserved” must include those populations 
in urban
centers who do not have access to affordable broadband facilities in 
their residence.  The
inclusion of these services will allow NTIA to achieve the objectives 
of the BTOP:
increasing employment, introducing access to vulnerable, underserved 
urban populations,
and providing service to those who would not be served during the time 
frame
contemplated by the Act as quickly or as affordably at sustainable 
rates.  We urge NTIA
and RUS to include these elements as part of its broad definition of 
“underserved.”
  
       Respectfully,
  

  
       Bob Rasul M.D.
       CEO
       World Cable

Attachments

worldcablentia.pdf

Recovery Act Comments from Rural Telephone

2009-04-13T22:15:00Z

Attached are comments (in Word format) from Rural Telephone Service Co.,
Inc. pertaining to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Broadband Initiatives, Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.


(See attached file: Rural Telephone Comments Recovery Act April 13
2009.doc)


Lisa Wagoner
Executive Assistant
Rural Telephone / P.O. Box 158 / Lenora, KS  67645
785.567.4281 / 877.567.7872
**************************************************************

Attachments

Rural Telephone Comments Recovery Act April 13 2009.doc

Comments from the American Farm Bureau Re: Docket # 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

The American Farm Bureau's Comments are attached.  Please respond to
this email if you have any trouble with the attachment.

Attachments

broadband-ntia09.0410.pdf

Breda Telephone Corp. Comments on Section 6001 of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Reviewers:
 
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Broadband Opportunity
Program.  Please see our attached comments.
 
Respectfully submitted.
 
Jane Morlok, CFO
Breda Telephone Corp.
112 East Main, P.O. Box 190
Breda, Iowa  51436
712.673.8101

Attachments

Responses to the Joint Request for Information

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

 <> 

John Ridgway
Manager - Telecom
Iowa Utilities Board
(515)281-4034
"Life is a long lesson in humility"

Attachments

ruralbroadbandstrategy-04-10-091.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dr. Gary Goff
Email:	goffdg@roanestate.edu
Address:	276 Patton Lane
	Harriman, TN 37748

I am writing to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Attachments

2009 Apr 13 Connected Tennessee.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chuck Manto
Email:	Chuck@ChuckManto.com
Address:	216 Tawes, FSU, 101 Braddock Rd
	Frostburg, MD 21532

I would like to make two comments, the first responding to the topic of the definition of broadband, and the second to the topic of stimulating broadband investment once federal funding is exhausted.

The definition of broadband is essential if it is important to attract private sector funding and ensure that state-of-the-art infrastructure is financially sustainable. Mission critical users who would consider using rural areas for business continuity purposes are good examples of those who would use rurally based facilities as long as the broadband services they need meet their market-based requirements for being cost effective and resilient. I am working with a number of mission critical organizations who are considering placing mission critical communications and data in rural areas for that purpose. But, they need to have a definition of broadband that would include the best of all kinds of technologies including fiber and wireless that serve their applications. They would concur that a definition of broadband should include the phrase: "resilient diverse routes, diverse carriers and diverse technologies". This would make it possible for them to use the best technologies (whether fiber or wireless) that best meets their applications and circumstances, with competitive pricing since there would be multiple carriers without monopolistic strangleholds, and diverse routes so that the risk of downtime can be minimized.

The second issue revolves around the topic of ongoing funding once federal funds are exhausted. In this case, there is a strong tie between broadband resiliency and renewable energy development. In the case of mission critical users, many may hold off purchasing the use of renewable energy until prices come down for the technology or energy costs go up significantly. However, there are scenarios that mission critical facilities users must consider if they are to be compliant with a fire code for business continuity, the NFPA 1600. They are all-hazards scenarios that include situations where inexpensive foreign fuels and the electric grid may be unavailable. Two such scenarios are geomagnetic storms and the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effect of high-altitude nuclear burst. If mission critical facilities users are to consider those scenarios where cheap energy is "off the table", then they could cost-justify renewable energy now-- as long as they protect the renewable energy systems from the same electromagnetic effects that will take down the electric grid in the first place.
Instant Access Networks, LLC and collaborating institutions are working with a number of mission critical facilities users across the country to provide EMP-protected renewable energy systems supporting EMP-protected modular data and communications centers. Many of these will be deployed in rurally based Business Continuity Tech Parks that will provide urban areas with the broadband connectivity to the rural areas that their business continuity plans demand. In turn, these Business Continuity Tech Parks will provide market based support for the long term maintenance and support of broadband in a number of underserved rural areas. At the same time, it supports the concept of a very resilient diverse route, diverse carrier and diverse technology system. This program can be explored further by contacting the Executive Director of Public Technology Institute (www.pti.org) or Charles (Chuck) Manto, the CEO of Instant Access Networks.

Charles Manto has been involved in economic development and broadband for nearly 30 years, leading research and publications concerning broadband, rural economic development and related technology and applications. He also served as a senior executive to a competitive local exchange carrier for operations. He holds 5 related patents and has others pending. Broadband deployment strategies and policy recommendations appear on the state of Maryland website, www.marylandtedco.org.

Attachments

AT&T Inc. Comments on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

	Per instructions contained in the Department of Commerce and
Department of Agriculture Notice:  American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives, dated March 9, 2009, I attach
comments of AT&T Inc.

				 <> 

Bruce R. Byrd
Vice President & General Counsel - Washington
AT&T Services, Inc.
1133 21st St., NW, Ste. 900
Washington, DC  20036
(202) 463-4148 (office)
(202) 286-2676 (mobile)
bruce.byrd@att.com

Attachments

AT&T Comments to NTIA-RUS re BTOP (4-13-09).pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Home Town Cable TV, LLC
Email:	mwallach@htcplus.com
Address:	10486 SW Village Center Drive
	Port St. Lucie, FL 34987

Separate comments for RUS and NTIA are attached.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	C. Michael Lay
Email:	mike.lay@scottcounty.net
Address:	13020 Scott Highway
	Helenwood, TN 37755

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Office of Administration
Email:	lmiron@state.pa.us
Address:	207 Finance Building
	Harrisburg, PA 17120

Please see attached comments from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in response to the RFI jointly issued by NTIA/RUS.

Attachments

04 13 2009 FINAL SIGNED Response to NTIA - RUS Notice.pdf

(R)egistered: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01: TracFone Wireless, Inc. Comments

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Attached please find Comments of TracFone Wireless, Inc. on NTIA's BTOP.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this submission.

Sincerely,

Debra McGuire Mercer

Debra McGuire Mercer
Of Counsel
Greenberg Traurig LLP | 2101 L Street N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20037
Tel 202.331.3194 | Fax 202.261.0194

mercerdm@gtlaw.com | www.gtlaw.com

Greenberg Traurig

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Attachments

TracFone - NTIA.pdf

BTOP Questions for RUS and NTIA

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Dear Ms. McGuire-Rivera, we are preparing a BTOP submission, and had the
following questions for clarification.



We have included them in a Microsoft Word document, but have also copied
them into the email due to the many different versions of Word in use today.



We thank you in advance for your assistance.



Most Sincerely,



Bill Boone



William T. Boone

Director, Center of Innovation for Agriculture

P.O. Box 7350

Tifton, Georgia 31793

Phone 229-391-6883

Fax 229-391-6880

http://agriculture.georgiainnovation.org







Center of Innovation for Agribusiness

Rural Broadband Fixed Wireless Initiative

April 2009





Bernadette McGuire-Rivera

Associate Administrator

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

U.S. Department of Commerce

Room 4812

1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20230





Dear Ms. McGuire-Rivera:





The absence of affordable internet connectivity in rural America today is
preventing economic growth, hindering agricultural innovation and stifling
our ability to educate our children and prepare our workforce.  Nowhere is
this truer than in rural South Georgia, Northwest Florida, and Southeast
Alabama.   Broadband internet access is the most important, over arching and
affordable economic development tool we can provide to rural America.



Our South Georgia collaborative intends to apply for a portion of the
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program funds, as outlined in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.



Budgetary estimates to establish the Wireless High Speed Internet Connection
are approximately $1 million per rural county.  This varies with the size of
the county and the number of towers needed to provide adequate coverage for
the communities, shops, homes and farms.  When compared to a local county,
who was just awarded $3.2 million to connect fiber optic cable to 85% of the
geography in the county, this is a substantial savings and a higher rate of
homes covered.  This will vary with the size of the county and the number of
towers needed to provide adequate coverage.



Our initial program will include up to 50 counties.







We have the following questions:



*         Will the USDA RUS program allow a multi-state and multi-county
grant for a "smart grid" type rural broadband project?

*         How will the funds for broadband stimulus projects be awarded?
Directly to the grant requestor or will the funds have to go through the
State?

*         Will the states be able to dictate which projects get funded with
these grants (both NTIA and RUS)? How much influence will they be able to
assert?

*         How will the grant funds be distributed? Fully funded with
reporting? Or as a draw down based on monies spent? Or draw down based on
P.O. like the RUS Broadband Loan program?

*         Can any of the stimulus money be used to conduct engineering
assessment and design of project?

*         Can engineering assessment and design be considered part of the
20% match requirement?

*         Will there be a new set of guidelines that allow broadband
borrowers to borrow in market areas where there are presently USDA or
Commerce  borrowers?

*         Will there be guidelines for incumbents to either deploy
ubiquitous broadband or lose their protected borrower status?

*         When will the new grant applications be available or is it
appropriate to use the current grant applications?  What are the projected
timelines for the applications; submission and action on the application?







Respectfully Submitted,





W.T. Boone

Director, Center of Innovation for Agribusiness



  _____

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Falguni Bhatt
Email:	fbhatt@aspirantsystems.com
Address:	22 Ohio
	Irvine, CA 92606

For sustainable broadband adoption, we recommend to provide grants to:

1. Companies that are working in standard based next generation broadband technologies for better economies of scale. This will lead America to be in the front runner in the broadband adoption.
2. Companies that are innovative in developing equipments that are low cost and affordable. It is important to keep the cost of the equipments low for a sustainable adoption of broadband in underserved and unserved areas.
3. Companies that enables job growth.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rob Raffety
Email:	rraffety@gmu.edu
Address:	3301 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 450
	Arlington, VA 22201

See attached files.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Henry Buchanan
Email:	hank.buchanan@nrucfc.coop
Address:	2201 Cooperative Way
	Herndon, VA 20171

See attached

Attachments

ntia -rus broadband comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jon Bernstein
Email:	jbernstein@jbernsteinstrategy.com
Address:	919 18th Street, NW
	Suite 925
	Washington, DC 20006

Before The
U.S. Department of Commerce
Washington, DC 202230

__________________________________________
In the Matter of )
)
Rural Utilities Service and ) Docket No. 090309298-
) 9299-01
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 )
Broadband Initiatives )
)
Joint Request for Information )
__________________________________________)

COMMENTS OF THE
CONSORTIUM FOR SCHOOL NETWORKING,
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION AND
NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

INTRODUCTION
The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the National Education Association (NEA) are pleased to submit these comments in response to the above captioned Joint Request for Information. CoSN is the country's premier voice in education technology leadership, serving K-12 technology leaders who, through their strategic use of technology, improve teaching and learning. CoSN’s core audiences are the chief technology officers and technology leaders in school districts. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of NETS and NECC, ISTE represents more than 85,000 education professionals worldwide. NEA is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.
CoSN, ISTE and NEA believe that the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) is an excellent resource that will complement the E-Rate program’s efforts to deliver advanced telecommunications services to our nation’s public and private schools and public libraries. Our interest in addressing the questions raised by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service’s (RUS) Joint Request for Information (Joint Request) regarding Section 6001 of the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act), reflects our members’ commitment to ensuring that all of America’s students and educators gain access to broadband services which, in turn, will deliver to them the knowledge and skills they need to compete in the global economy.
DISCUSSION
I. Guidance Regarding BTOP Funding
In the Joint Notice, NTIA requests guidance on several topics related to the funding of BTOP. Our comments address the following topics: eligibility requirements for entities seeking BTOP funds; the role of states in awarding grants to eligible entities; the role retail price should play in determining whether an area is underserved or unserved; broadband mapping requirements; and the expansion of computer center capacities.

A. Eligibility Requirements
Section 6001(e) of The Recovery Act defines entities eligible for participation in BTOP as “a State or political subdivision thereof, the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States, and Indian tribe…or native Hawaiian organization.”
While ISTE, CoSN and NEA understand that the Recovery Act does not clearly state that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Education Service Agencies (ESAs) are eligible participants under BTOP, we submit that LEAs are eligible based on a common definition of the term “political subdivision” and the plain intent of Recovery Act’s framers.
Black’s Law Dictionary defines a school district as a “a political division of a state, created by the legislature and invested with local powers of self government, to build, maintain, fund, and support the public schools within its territory and to otherwise assist the state in its educational responsibilities.” This definition was recently relied upon by an Appellate Court of Ohio, which went on to further explain that “[a] school district is clearly an entity responsible for governmental activities for the purpose of ensuring a functioning school system.” Therefore, given that LEAs receive their authority from the State to provide education services to local communities and are governed by elected officials, they can and should be considered “political subdivisions.” We request that NTIA state affirmatively that LEAs are “political subdivisions” and therefore eligible to receive BTOP funds.
Aside from this definitional issue, the Recovery Act’s language authorizing the BTOP program evidences the clear intent of its authors that K-12 educational institutions receive direct benefits through BTOP. The language explicitly references education numerous times, most notably in the sections that chart the BTOP’s mission and the bases for making awards. Specifically, the Recovery Act identifies the program’s goals as, “To accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and to strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits.” The Recovery Act expands on the “strategic institutions” language by indicating that one of the program’s central purposes is to “provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment and support” to, among others, “schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, community colleges…[and] institutions of higher education....” (emphasis added). Additionally, the Recovery Act requires NTIA to make awards based on a number of factors, including whether the grant “will, if approved, enhance service for health care delivery, education, or children to the greatest population of users in the area.” (emphasis added). Based on this language of the Recovery Act, there should be no doubt that the intent of the statute was that LEAs should be eligible to receive funds under the BTOP.
B. Consideration of State Priorities in Awarding Grants
The Joint Request asks for guidance on whether projects must first receive a State’s permission to request BTOP funds from NTIA. CoSN, ISTE and NEA believe that school district submitted projects should not require permission from the State before applying for BTOP funds, as it will slow down the application process and consequently delay the stimulative affect of such projects. As such, requiring school districts to request permission from States before applying for BTOP funds will thwart Congress’s intent in the Act, “to establish and implement the grant program as expeditiously as possible.” (emphasis added).
Moreover, school districts may understand their broadband needs better than state authorities, and therefore will be able identify those needs better than the state. This is exemplified in the E-Rate program, which allows districts to assess their needs and apply directly for support. The BTOP program should operate under similar guidelines.
Although CoSN, ISTE and NEA do not support a requirement that school district projects receive state permission before applying for BTOP funds, we recognize the states’ interest in coordinating resources within their states. Accordingly, CoSN, ISTE and NEA recommend that NTIA require that school districts notify states of their submission of applications for BTOP grants. In this way, states would have the opportunity to help direct and guide projects so that funding would be coordinated across the state and aligned with state and federal directives and programs.
Finally, CoSN, ISTE and NEA must note that the BTOP grant program provides one of the few opportunities in the entirety of the Recovery Act for school districts to apply directly for federal funding. The vast majority of new programs funded through the Recovery Act are open only to states, such as the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund and the Race to the Top grants, leaving school districts without any direct access to much-needed federal funds to restore and revitalize their local education systems. Above and beyond the merits of the preceding arguments, we contend that fairness dictates that NTIA permit school districts to apply directly for BTOP grants.
C. The Role of Retail Price in Determining Whether An Area Is Unserved Or Underserved
In the Joint Request, NTIA requests that the public provide comments on how the terms “underserved” and “unserved” are defined, and whether retail price for broadband services should be a factor in those definitions. CoSN, ISTE and NEA believe that retail price is an important factor in determining whether an area is underserved or unserved; providing broadband at prices that are too high for area residents and schools to afford would have the same effect as not providing services to an area at all. One of the central rationales for the E-Rate program, and ultimately one of its greatest successes, was ensuring that schools and libraries in low-income and high cost areas gain access to Internet connectivity that was on par with the access enjoyed by residents of wealthier and lower cost areas. We believe that NTIA can and must base the BTOP program on this very same concern. Accordingly, we urge NTIA to incorporate the concept of affordability into its definitions of underserved or unserved.
D. Broadband Mapping
The NTIA seeks comments in the Joint Notice on what level of specificity a geographic broadband map should provide about broadband services in each area. CoSN, ISTE and NEA believe that in order to provide the most accurate information about the services in each school, a broadband map must include public schools and go deeper than merely mapping connections to the school door. We think it critical that, if possible, any mapping provide detailed information about broadband capacity to individual classrooms and students. We also recommend that the collection of this information be conducted in as non-burdensome a manner as possible, capitalizing on any pre-existing, recent surveys (including data collected from school and library applicants for the E-Rate program by the Universal Service Administrative Company) that can supply the relevant information.
To evaluate the level of broadband capacity in classrooms, CoSN, ISTE and NEA recommend that NTIA collect information on how many classrooms have at least one wired broadband-level connection as well as how many broadband level wireless access points exist at each school. Compiling this information will provide a “snapshot” of classroom broadband capability at each school and greatly augment the broadband data map produced by NTIA.
However, this information about classroom broadband capability needs to be further distilled to determine the effective broadband capability for each end user. Consequently, we urge NTIA to collect information on the broadband levels for each end user computing device, including speeds at peak and off-peak hours. NTIA should then use this information to create an accurate map about available broadband resources for each student at public schools across the country.
E. Institutions Eligible for BTOP Funds to Expand Computer Center Capacities Other Than Colleges and Public Libraries
NTIA also seeks comments in the Joint Request on what institutions, other than colleges and public libraries, should be eligible to receive BTOP funds to expand computer center capacities. In response to this inquiry, CoSN, ISTE and NEA recommend that NTIA expressly include public schools and school libraries as institutions eligible to receive grants for expanding computer center capacities.
Making schools and school libraries eligible recipients of the funds allotted for expansion of public computer center capacity would complement and enhance the work that the E-Rate is doing. Whereas E-Rate prohibits schools from acquiring computers and software with program resources, the Recovery Act authorizes BTOP to fund the purchase of hardware and software to promote broadband usage in unserved and underserved areas. This expansion of hardware and software in school computer rooms and school libraries through BTOP would be a tremendous benefit to, at a minimum, students and teachers at schools receiving E-Rate support.
Ultimately, we believe that the addition of computer capacity to schools and school libraries will also provide a tremendous benefit to the public. Currently, many schools and school libraries in rural and/or low-income areas serve as the focal points of community activities and are used for continuing education and other similar purposes. The expansion of public center computing capacity at schools and school libraries would only serve to bolster those roles and provide valuable services to residents unable to access technology elsewhere.
CoSN, ISTE and NEA recognize, though, that current E-Rate program rules make it difficult for schools and school libraries to allow the public to use E-rate supported telecommunications and Internet services during non-school hours. Under the current rules, schools must cost-allocate E-Rate services if such services are used for non-educational purposes. CoSN, ISTE and NEA are seeking to eliminate this cost-allocation burden, thereby making it easier for schools to allow the public to receive additional benefits from E-Rate supported services. While we recognize that such a rule change could take some time, we are confident of success. Once that change occurs, the full fruits of expanding public computer center capacity through BTOP investments will be fully realized.
II. Additional Concerns Regarding BTOP Funding
A. Financial Contributions by Grant Applicants
Although it was not specifically mentioned in the Joint Notice, CoSN, ISTE and NEA also provide the following comments on the 20% matching requirement required under BTOP:
Given the economic downturn and the likely budget challenges faced by public entities that BTOP was designed to serve, we believe that the 20% matching requirement should be able to come in the form of cash- and in-kind contributions. Allowing these types of contributions is not without precedent, as NTIA permitted grantees under BTOP’s predecessor, the Technology Opportunities Program (TOP), to use cash- and in-kind contributions for the program’s 20% matching requirement. Accordingly, allowing cash- and in-kind contributions will not only lessen the burden on already strapped public resources but also follow the precedent NTIA established previously under TOP.
B. Non-applicability of “Unserved” and “Underserved” to K12 Schools
CoSN, ISTE and NEA endorse comments filed by EDUCAUSE that the terms “unserved” and “underserved” are not intended to and do not apply to K12 schools, thereby allowing all K12 institutions to apply for funding regardless of whether their locations are unserved or underserved by broadband services. We agree that all K12 schools should have access to BTOP funds because, as EDUCAUSE submits, “they aggregate large groups of people and have a need for high-capacity broadband connections independent of the (availability of broadband for) surrounding households."
CONCLUSION
CoSN, ISTE and NEA appreciate the Department of Commerce’s work on these BTOP issues. We look forward to continuing to assist and advise the Department of Commerce in this important undertaking.
________________________________________________________________________
Submitted on Behalf of CoSN, ISTE and NEA:
Jon Bernstein
President
Bernstein Strategy Group
919 18th Street, NW
Suite 925
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 263-2572

Attachments

BTOP Comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Barbara Kasoff
Email:	bkasoff@wipp.org
Address:	1714 Stockton Street, Ste 200
	San Francisco, CA 94133

April 10, 2009

Ms. Anna Gomez
Deputy Assistant Secretary
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230

Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Gomez:

On behalf of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), representing more than a half million business owners and women in business, we urge NTIA to consider the critical implications of broadband deployment for small and women-owned businesses.
Businesses of all sizes have been negatively impacted by the recession, but small businesses – a vital engine of economic growth - have been hit especially hard. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act represents an unprecedented opportunity to help address long-standing challenges that so many American small businesses face. For many small businesses, the road to economic recovery requires access to new and emerging technologies such as broadband. If deployed in a rapid, efficient, and transparent way; NTIA funding will play a crucial role in making broadband more accessible to small businesses owners and will help ensure that the United States can thrive in a 21st century economy.
Specifically, expanding access to advanced telecommunications technologies and services via broadband will spark the creation of new service providers, innovations, and exciting applications for which small businesses depend on to thrive. Such advancements are the most vital and efficient way to deliver information, services, and products such as e-commerce transactions including customer credit-card purchases, online/real-time chat customer assistance and supplier-partner transactions. These services are important touch-points for small businesses to engage customers, suppliers and partners beyond traditional person-to-person, point-of-sale interactions in an Internet global economy. Likewise, small businesses are increasingly seeking global opportunities via broadband connections to reach markets, customers and suppliers outside of traditional local and regional centers.
To that end, we strongly encourage the NTIA to quickly, efficiently, and transparently disperse the stimulus funding to state and local governments so that unserved and underserved small businesses can get on the road to recovery. While financial support and leadership from the federal government is important, state and local governments have the best understanding of what their communities need, can assist in transparent and accountable delivery of broadband, and are in the best position to create effective public-private partnerships to meet specific needs by leveraging private-sector expertise in network construction and management. The best way to gain the benefits of stimulus funding is to ensure that broadband gets to the unserved areas first. That is why we strongly recommend disseminating the funds through an existing model of state-based mapping. It is imperative that these much needed resources get dispersed quickly, without adding network conditions or requirements that will delay or discourage participation by the most capable providers.
We are excited about the prospect of bringing broadband accessibility to all small business owners and are grateful for NTIA’s hard work in ensuring the grants process is fair and efficient. Delivery of next-generation broadband services can not wait – we thank you in advance considering the needs of small businesses as you look forward to spurring economic growth through advanced telecommunications technology.

Sincerely,

Barbara Kasoff
President/CEO
Women Impacting Public Policy

Attachments

Letter to Anna Gomez Deputy Asst Secretary.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gary Cooper
Email:	gcooper@socs.cc
Address:	219 W. Emmitt Ave
	Waverly, OH 45690

Please make provision for small business set-a-side for those WISPS that are currently providers in underserved rural areas. These WISPS have made a substantial investment in these underserved areas.

NTIA/RUS Docket 090309298-9299-01 (Comments of TelePacific, Mpower and Arrival)

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

On behalf of U.S. TelePacific Corp., Mpower Communications Corp., and
Arrival Communications Inc., attached are comments for submission in
NTIA/RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.

 

Please contact Nancy Lubamersky at (510) 995-5602 if you have any
questions concerning this filing.

 

 

Marilyn H. Ash, Esq.

Director, Public Policy

U.S. TelePacific Corp./

Mpower Communications Corp.

620 Third Street

San Francisco, CA  94107

Phone:  415-430-3119

Fax:  510-995-5601

E-mail:  ashm@telepacific.com

Attachments

TelePacific Mpower Arrival NTIA_FCC BB Comments 4-13-09.DOC

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ken Winters
Email:	kenwint@dim.com
Address:	18856 E Hinsdale Ave
	Centennial, CO 80016-2146

Broadband over satellite is already available nationwide, for a price. For example, Internet Technology Solutions provides broadband internet connectivity to businesses nationwide, but can not do so at a first cost or monthly rate that is competitive with terrestrial carriers in areas they serve. A satellite solution should be considered for any areas where the cost of the last-mile provider is higher than that of the satellite service provider. If the satellite solution could be integrated into the terrestrial providers' plans it would lead to the most cost-effective overall solution.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ann Paonessa
Email:	annpwv@frontiernet.net
Address:	536 S. Mildred St
	Charles Town, WV 25414

I am writing to express my concerns that block granting the broadband funding to the states will not accomplish Administration policy goals, such as creating jobs; providing access to broadband service to consumers residing in unserved areas of the United States; providing improved access to broadband service to consumers residing in underserved areas of the United States; and providing broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support to schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, community colleges and other institutions of higher education.

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grants should be awarded by holding a national competition implemented by the Department of Commerce.

The legislation clearly directs that “competitive grants” be established in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program - in several relevant sections.

If the States gain control of this process, it will reduce the possibility of local inititives to receive awards sufficient to implement a national demonstration project.

I greatly appreciate your consideration of these comments. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Ann Paonessa
City of Charles Town
Council Member

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Charles Benton
Email:	cbenton@benton.org
Address:	1625 K Street NW
	11th FL
	Washington, DC 20006

Benton Foundation’s Support of Fast-Track, Partial Loan Guarantees
The Benton Foundation is a long-time advocate for universal, affordable access and sustained use of high-speed, broadband networks. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) offers an historic opportunity to advance the deployment and use of broadband networks, especially if the public investments outlined in the Recovery Act are leveraged and maximized To that end, the Benton Foundation suggests that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) strongly consider the benefits of applying a portion of their allocated funds for fast-track, partial loan guarantees as proposed by the Rural Fiber Alliance. The advantages of fast-track partial loan guarantees are multifold: Leverages private capital - Rather than government simply writing checks for grants or taking on all the risk for loans, these guarantees leverage private capital to realize at least a 10x multiplier on public dollars without the government necessarily having to write a single check. Gets money into the system faster - Rather than government taking months to vet projects, this fast-track program relies on the private capital markets to gauge and fund those projects that are market-ready. In this way projects can start deploying in weeks, which is vitally important in northern states if they are to get any significant deployment done this year. Additionally, rather than money waiting on the shelf for the second and third round of grant allocations this guarantee program can make government support available immediately on an on-demand, as-needed basis. And if these guarantees don’t free up private capital, then the budget authority can be converted back into grants at a later date. Creates a more sustainable program - Loan guarantees provide the opportunity for establishing a more sustainable mechanism for operators to deploy networks that don’t rely solely on government grants to be viable. Relies on the market rather than government - Rather than government being in the position of picking winners and losers, loan guarantees rely on the market to pick those projects that are most viable and most shovel-ready, while retaining government’s ability to insure that these networks are built with the public interest in mind. For the reasons stated above, the Benton Foundation urges NTIA and RUS to utilize fast-track, partial loan guarantees to effectively and efficiently disperse Recovery Act broadband stimulus resources.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	James Carlson, CEO
Address:	1385 8th Street
	Arcata, CA 95521

See attached Comments of Carlson Wireless Technologies, Inc.

Attachments

00013547.pdf

ZeroDivide Comments to NTIA on BTOP

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

ZeroDivide is a 501(c)(3) public foundation that has invested more than
$45 million over the past 10 years in innovative programs that encourage
sustainable adoption of broadband services in unserved and underserved
communities. ZeroDivide provides financial support, capacity building
and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations that benefit
low-income, minority, immigrant, non-English speaking, LGBT, aged and
disability communities. 

 

The following comments are in response to the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives, Joint request for
information and notice of public meetings (Docket No.
090309298-9299-01):

 

NTIA should award grants to intermediaries with experience in
identifying, funding and supporting innovative technology programs that
increase sustainable adoption of broadband service in unserved and
underserved areas.

 

For-profit entities should be incentivized to partner with non-profit
entities that are also applying for BTOP funding.

 

Proposals which leverage other Recovery Act projects should be
encouraged, but such leverage should not be a requirement to receive
funding.

 

Applicants should be encouraged, but not required, to address more than
one purpose of the BTOP grant program.

 

States should not have an advisory role in the allocation of grant funds
if they themselves are applicants.

 

Funding should be diversified across multiple organizations within a
state and not sole-sourced to one entity within a state. 

 

Organizations that can immediately provide 20% matching cash toward a
project should be given greater weighting than those organizations with
a contingency to raise matching funds from external sources.

 

The broadband mapping effort should include the mapping and tracking of
broadband adoption, in addition to broadband availability.

 

NTIA should consider the following factors in establishing selection
criteria for grant awards to stimulate the demand for broadband:

 

1.    A proven track record (5 or more years) in stimulating demand for
broadband availability, adoption, and accessibility in unserved and
underserved communities.

 

2.    Strong indigenous support within/by members of the targeted
communities in specific geographic areas, evidenced by needs/demand
assessment or survey data.

 

3.    Proven cost-effective approaches, which leverage both public and
private sector resources.

 

4.    All Computer Centers and NTIA-funded programs should be accessible
to individuals with disabilities.

 

5.    Experience in creating a reasonable level of sustainable economic
impact/revenue generation (i.e. social enterprise), which will support
sustained broadband usage and ongoing adoption within economically
challenged communities.

 

6.    Demonstration/proposal of replicable models of change which can be
propagated across multiple geographic/cultural/ethnic/socio-economic
vulnerable communities.

 

7.    Potential for projects to scale.  NTIA should direct funding
toward projects that can be scaled or replicated immediately as well as
toward targeted, innovative models that can be scaled in the future.

 

8.    Development of relevant, culturally and linguistically competent
content for underserved consumers and broadband applications by
community-oriented entrepreneurs.

 

These recommendations are based upon our lessons learned over the past
decade and focus largely on the purposes of the Act to support broadband
adoption, demand, training, education and job creation in unserved and
underserved communities.

 

I have also attached ZeroDivide's full comments in Word format and
submitted these comments online via 
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/form.cfm.

 

ZeroDivide looks forward to being an applicant for funding under the
BTOP program. Through our experience, we have learned that information
and communications technology is a powerful tool to increase economic
opportunities, create jobs, improve educational achievement, enhance
health and well-being, and increase civic engagement in communities.

 

Thank you,

 
John Hoffman
Director, Business Development 
ZeroDivide
415.773.0388 x314
425 Bush Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94108
zerodivide.org

Attachments

ZD Comments to NTIA.doc

Fwd: Comments - ARRA

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z


>>> "mits"  4/13/2009 2:09:17 PM >>>
Do these comments need to be filed by 5:00 p.m. Washington, D.C. time
or any
specific time today?



Thank you!



Karen K. Quihillalt



karen@mitstel.com    406-443-1940



MITS members, providing quality telecommunications service to rural
Montanans  for over fifty years, include Nemont Telephone Cooperative,
Inc.,
Project Telephone Co., Triangle Telephone Cooperative, Inc., Central
Montana
Communications, Inc., Northern Telephone Cooperative, Inc., InterBel
Telephone Cooperative, Inc., and Mid-Rivers Communications.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Vernon Barmes
Email:	vtbarmes@juno.com
Address:	587 Cody Branch Road
	Robbinsville, NC 28771

Rural Broadband funds should be spent to alleviate the shortage of service suffered by those who live in rural areas before the funds are spent to improve existing service. The community in which I live does not have access to DSL or wireless. The only choice is Satellite, which is three times as expensive as DSL.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Diane Wells
Email:	diane.wells@state.mn.us
Address:	85 7th Place East, Suite 500
	St. Paul, MN 55101-2198

See attachment.

Attachments

MNDOC comments to NTIAandRUS13apr09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Norwich Public Utilities
Email:	johnbilda@npumail.com
Address:	16 South Golden Street
	Norwich, CT 06360

see attached

Attachments

ARRA Grants Comment 04-07-09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mitchell Gonzalez
Email:	mgonzalez@cwti.net
Address:	Cheetah Wireless Technologies, Inc.
	1525 E. Sunset Rd., Suite 1
	Las Vegas, NV 89119

To Whom it May Concern:

Attached, you will find the comments of Cheetah Wireless Technologies, Inc. ("CWTI") in response to the NTIA/RUS Joint Request for Information under NTIA Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.

Respectfully Submitted,

Mitchell Gonzalez
President and CEO
Cheetah Wireless Technologies, Inc.

Attachments

NTIA RUS CWTI Final comments with signature.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John Conley, Deputy Director
Law firm:	N/A
Attorney:	N/A
Email:	john.conley@state.co.us
Address:	601 E. 18th Avenue, Suite 250
	Denver, CO 80203

The State of Colorado (“Colorado”) supports the comments previously filed by NASCIO, NGA, and NARUC. These comments compellingly argue that substantial state involvement in the NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (“BTOP”) and RUS’s Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband Program will help these agencies effectively accomplish their goals under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA”) in every state. In particular, Colorado strongly urges NTIA and RUS to allow states to have a significant role in determining where grants are directed within their regions. Relative to the respective federal agencies, most states are better positioned to understand the needs of their citizens, factors affecting broadband deployment, and the partnerships and projects that will produce the greatest results as well as evaluate whether those projects are implemented successfully. In short, the states can share the workload with NTIA and RUS by assisting in the selection—and oversight—of the grants awarded to the most deserving recipients.

Colorado believes that NTIA and RUS should allow the states to score grant applications that are generated from within their regions. The scoring criteria should be objective, publically available, and developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Colorado believes that this process will best enable states to communicate their priorities to NTIA and RUS. If NTIA and RUS are guided by Colorado's scoring in selecting projects within Colorado for funding, the goals of the ARRA are most likely to be accomplished. Ideally, the NTIA and RUS would not only encourage the use of such a scoring system, but would empower states engaging in this process (as Colorado intends to do) by refusing to consider applications that did not go through this process.

Further, under the BTOP, states can apply directly for grants for activities that will increase broadband access in underserved and unserved areas and for community resource centers and adoption programs. One such way the State of Colorado intends to participate in the BTOP is to apply for a block grant, which will be sub-granted to private entities for broadband projects in Colorado. Colorado believes NTIA should recognize that such a block grant program will be an effective way to ensure value-laden projects and successful outcomes. Additionally, this type of funding structure would enable Colorado to assist NTIA in the necessary follow-up to make sure that the grant recipients are held to high standards of accountability. Finally, to facilitate such applications, the NTIA should make clear that the 20 percent funding match required under the BTOP would be waived for the State under this type of “block grant” arrangement on the understanding that it would apply to the subsequent sub-grantees awarded the funding.

Finally, in formulating a national mapping and data collection strategy, NTIA should take into consideration that some states, such as Colorado, have already begun mapping projects using non-ARRA and/or Broadband Data Improvement Act funds. In addition to being guided by the experiences of Colorado and other states, NTIA should clarify that matching fund requirements can be satisfied by money that has recently been spent on such projects. The NTIA should also be cautioned not to condition any grants on data collection or reporting requirements that would require a change in state law. Such requirements would be likely to limit the chances that a national mapping initiative would be successful and could hamper existing state projects. Further, NTIA and RUS should encourage the FCC to make the Form 477 census tract broadband data available to the states to enhance and expedite their individual mapping activities and to ensure a minimum level of broadband mapping granularity.

The State of Colorado looks forward to partnering with NTIA, RUS, and the FCC in ensuring that our nation has a successful broadband strategy. Please contact John Conley (303-764-7707; john.conley@state.co.us) or Dara Hessee (303-764-7709; dara.hessee@state.co.us) with any comments or questions.

Attachments

StateofColorado_NTIA-RUS_PublicComment_FINAL.pdf

RFI Docket Number: 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Hello,

Attached please find the Solix and Vangent comments for the Broadband
Technology Opportunities Program.

Should you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me
on 973-581-7676

 

Eric Seguin

Vice President

Solix Inc.

100 South Jefferson

Whippany NJ 07981

 


� 
� 
---------------------------------------------------------------
Confidentiality Notice: The information in this e-mail and any attachments thereto is intended for the named recipient(s) only.  This e-mail, including any attachments, may contain information that is privileged and confidential  and subject to legal restrictions and penalties regarding its unauthorized disclosure or other use.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action or inaction in reliance on the contents of this e-mail and any of its attachments is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.  If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sender via return e-mail; delete this e-mail and all attachments from your e-mail  system and your computer system and network; and destroy any paper copies you may have in your possession. Thank you for your cooperation.

Attachments

NTIA RFI_ SolixVangent.doc

NTCA submits Comments on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-0

2009-04-13T22:13:00Z

Attached for filing this 13th day of April 2009, is The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association's comments in response to the Joint Request for Information and Notice of Public Meetings by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural Utilities Service, Docket RUS Docket No. 090309298-9299-0, 74 Fed. Reg. 10716, March 12, 2009

Thank you.

Rita H. Bolden
Administrative Coordinator/Paralegal, L&I
National Telecommunications Cooperative Association
The Voice of Rural Communications
703-351-2023 (direct) 703-351-2027 (fax) rbolden@ntca.org




If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from NTCA, please reply to this message with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line.



4121 Wilson Boulevard, Tenth Floor
Arlington, Virginia  22203

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from NTCA, please reply to this message with the word "remove" in the subject line.

Attachments

04.13.09 NTCA Comments NTIA-RUS-w_attached ltrs.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Richard Senese, Associate Dean
Email:	dsenese@umn.edu
Address:	405 Coffey Hall
	1420 Eckles Avenue
	St. Paul, MN 55108-6068

Please see attached letter commenting on criteria for broadband stimulus efforts to increase use of broadband

Attachments

Letter to NTIC.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kent Williams, Speaker of the House of Representatives State of Tennessee
Email:	scotty.campbell@capitol.tn.gov
Address:	19 Legislative Plaza
	Nashville, TN 37243

I am writing to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal

government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Kent Williams
Speaker of the House of Representatives
State of Tennessee

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John Thatcher
Address:	1552 Shelby Circle
	Hixson, TN 37343

Please use the BTOP money to purchase computers and provide free internet access for career and technical education students in the rural counties of Tennessee. This will enable them to take dual enrollment courses which will reduce their post-secondary educational costs. thanks

Puerto Rico's Inclusion in BTOP

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

It is hoped that Puerto Rico will be treated as a state for BTOP funding.
There is a significant need for grant funding from the Department of Commerce to reach unserved and underserved areas there.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Richard S. Kochan
Grant Specialist
Self-Employed

1660 L Street, N.W.  #501
Washington, D.C.  20036

202-659-2229

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brad Bowman - Program Director, AccessDelray.org
Address:	2910 Gulfstream Rd
	Gulfstream, FL 33483

RESPONSE TO BTOP RFI - NTIA and RUS JOINT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - FINAL (attached)

Summary includes:

Executive Summary | Preamble & Abstract | FCC Broadband Definitions | Document Summary
Municipal Wireless History | 3.65GHz WiMAX | 3.65GHz WiMAX - Municipal Operations
ARRA - Broadband Benefits | Digital Access, Inclusion & Literacy | Public/Private Partnerships | Private Sector Investment | Job Creation | Summary of BTOP Public Meetings | Document Conclusion | Addendum A - Response to National EBS Association Comments Regarding Use of the 2.5GHz EBS Band to Achieve BTOP Initiatives

This is an update to summary posted on BTOP April 1, 2009 RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION -- NTIA-RUS BTOP INITIATIVES -- COMPLETE SUMMARY
(Original - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments/68A4.pdf)

BTOP RFI Sectional Links - Table of Contents.doc
(Original - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments/68A5.doc)

ADDED ADDENDUM A -

"Response to National EBS Association Comments Regarding Use of 2.5GHz EBS-Based Wireless Broadband Facilities to Achieve BTOP Initiatives"

"The 2.5GHz Educational Broadband Service - Rural Telecommunication and Energy Cooperatives vs. Urban and Suburban Markets"

"The Backwards Lease"

Direct Links to Addendum A
Word - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments/7667.5%20Ghz%20Band.doc

PDF - http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments/7668.5%20GHz%20Band.pdf

UPDATED BTOP RFI Sectional Links - Table of Contents.doc (attached)

Graphics include:
Current Sprint, Clearwire and FCC 2.5ghz EBS Lease Business Model.gif

Proposed NTIA, RUS 2.5ghz EBS Lease/Operating Business Model.gif

Reference: NEBSA Comments (http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments/6F1B.doc)

Brad Bowman
bbowman@accessdelray.org

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jay Pagadala
Email:	jpagadala@apexcovantage.com
Address:	198 Van Buren Street
	200 Presidents Plaza
	Herndon, VA 20170

Comments and a Presentation are filed in the form of atttachments.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jay Pagadala
Email:	jpagadala@apexcovantage.com
Address:	198 Van Buren Street
	200 Presidents Plaza
	Herndon, VA 20170

Comments and a Presentation are filed in the form of atttachments.

Attachments

Comments of the WiMAX Forum

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Please find attached comments of the WiMAX Forum in response to the
Joint Request for Information and Notice of Public Meetings, 74 Fed.
Reg. 10716 (Mar. 12, 2009), Docket No. 090309298-9299-01
 
Regards
Rob Kubik
WiMAX Forum Regulatory Working Group Vice-Chair

Attachments

WiMAX Forum - 2009-04-13.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Nancy A Olson
Email:	Nancy.Olson@milwaukee.gov
Address:	809 N Broadway, Suite 400
	Milwaukee, WI 53202

City of Milwaukee Response to Questions
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
[Docket No. 090309298–9299–01]
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives

1. The Purposes of the Grant Program:
The City of Milwaukee is advocating for a process in which a percentage of grant funds would be apportioned for each of stated purposes. The applicants, regardless of their jurisdiction, should be encouraged to address more than one purpose. In addition, a percentage of grant funds should be apportioned to the tribal communities. This will reduce competiton with other areas. Applicants in all areas should be able to demonstrate, within their project’s implementation plan, some sort of connection or commitment to the development of broadband inclusion.

2. The Role of the States:
The City of Milwaukee’s position is that the state should have minimal involvement. In order to attain the greatest efficiencies, the grants funds should go directly to each applicant. The state priorities may be too diverse to serve the best interest of grantees throughout the state.

4. Establishing Selection Criteria for Grant Awards:
The City of Milwaukee’s opinion on the selection criteria is as follows:
1) Priority should be given to entities who can demonstrate with statistics and data that there are unmet needs.
2) Grantees must have a management infrastructure in place that will be able to immediately implement the grant once funding is secured.
3) The applicant must be able to bring forward substantial evidence that the population in the area meets the criteria that indicates their target population is under-served.
4) The applicant should leverage other ARRA opportunities – and be prepared in the grant request to indicate how that leverage will be proffered. (For example, workforce development funding can be partnered with broadband access and worker training.)

5. Grant Mechanics:
A 20% match in these economic times would be an extreme burden for local municipalities. It would be best if there would be a strong consideration of in-kind match such as forgoing the revenue generated by the permit process or access to used conduit for a quick and expedient completion of the project.
Another consideration would be to use the current FCC E-Rate apportion system. If the E-Rate system is utilized then it can be assured that broadband funds would be efficiently and effectively operationalized in areas of the country where there is a higher rate of poverty.

6. Grants for Expanding Public Computer Center Capacity:
Workforce Investment Boards and Community Based Organizations (funded by HUD) should be allowed to receive awards providing they are able to match other grant requirements.

8. Broadband Mapping:
In a municipality as diverse as the City of Milwaukee, broadband availability and affordability will differ from one neighborhood to the next. Useful information on the selected target areas will have to be presented for each neighborhood, or through the use of Census Tract statistics (on a block to block basis). The data to include in an inventory should include; broadband speed, type(s), costs, and limitations imposed by provider. This data could then be scored or ranked by these factors.

13. Definitions:
“Unserved areas” and “underserved areas” need to be defined with several factors in mind. Cost is a large part of the definition and goes beyond just the cost of the service from the provider. Carefule consideration must be given to infrastructure needs and the development of the needed skills levels required by residents to use the product(s). Equipment is a barrier in many of low-income communities. In addition, computer literacy, internet literacy, ethnic and language diversity must all be factors when considering the definition of un-served and underserved.

It is also important to define what the application means when it comes to threshold speeds, or a minimum speed for the various technologies. The thresholds should further define availability or uptime. A successful project will be able to provide broadband at a usage speed for a reasonable price (or free) and in a reliable and dependable nature. If businesses and public safety are to take advantage of the broadband stimulus grant, the projects reliability or uptime is definitely a factor.

“If broadband is defined at a higher than affordable speed – is it serving anyone?”

The City of Milwaukee has a purchasing plan in place that defines emerging and minority business enterprise needs, bid opportunities and purchasing guidelines. Applicants that can exhibit such policies should receive some additional consideration as part of the grant award process. If the process for awards is not based on a match (which will be difficult for most communities), there should be a MOU in place within the grant that demands the recipient will be responsible for the continuation of equipment maintenance after the grant has expired. The development of a thoughtful and comprehensive sustainability plan needs to be a critical element of the application.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Kathy Gates
Email:	kfg@olemiss.edu
Address:	300 Powers Hall
	University, MS 38677

Please see the attachment. These comments are submitted on behalf of the CIOs at the four research universities in Mississippi.

Attachments

NTIA BTOP and Broadband for Mississippi.pdf

Formal Input to NTIA/BTOP and USDA/RUS: Docket # 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

To:  Barbara Brown, NTIA/BTOP at (202) 482-4374 or 
bbrown@ntia.doc.gov

        Mary Campanola, USDA/RUS at (202) 720-8822 or 
mary.campanola@usda.gov


Re: Public Input on NTIA/BTOP and USDA/RUS grant guidelines and 
accountability,
        Emailed April 13th, 2009 to 
btop@ntia.doc.gov  and

        Online at 
http://lone-eagles.com/getitright.htm
        Formatted Word doc: 
http://lone-eagles.com/NTIA-USDA-Guidelines.doc 



From: Frank Odasz, Lone Eagle Consulting
             2200 Rebich Lane, Dillon, Montana 59725
             PH: 406 683 6260, Cell: 406 925 2519
             Email: frank@lone-eagles.com
             Web: www.lone-eagles.com

Barbara and Mary,

With great respect and all seriousness Lone Eagle Consulting submits the 
attached document regarding recommendations for NTIA/BTOP and USDA/RUS 
grant guidelines and accountability.    The Executive Summary is below.

Red, White and Blue,

Frank Odasz
Lone Eagle Consulting
PH 406 683 6270




America�s Historic Challenge to Fund Mass Innovation
       without the risks of political backlash due to lack of documented 
results

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Government needs to enact an effective ongoing process immediately 
for identifying the best broadband training innovations for national 
replication and distribution. Consider creating an Office of Broadband Best 
Practices for Sustainable Families focused on identification and 
dissemination of best practices as they emerge � with rapid turn-around 
using social media and video-storytelling of successful replicable strategies.

Presuming �any� training program can turn broadband access into jobs in the 
short term is an example of the naivet� of the U.S. government having not 
paid close enough attention to the impacts, or lack thereof, of ten years 
of lessons learned from broadband deployment. Best practices are not at all 
obvious to anyone. Ideal curriculums for community technology centers, 
(CTCs) and/or citizen engagement methodologies for local community networks 
to produce socio-economic capacity are still in their infancy. What gets 
measured - gets done.

America�s ideal opportunity related to the Obama administration�s new 
openness is to design these grants programs with incentives to create an 
intelligent �self-learning community� where grantees are tasked with 
effective visible collaborative sharing of innovations as they emerge. 
Grantees should to be required to publically maintain web postings of their 
measurable outcomes, replicable training strategies, essential content, 
sharable curriculum, and success stories using new media. Peer evaluations 
via social media have proven to be very effective. Consider that perhaps 
the only way to manage assessments for the volume of projected projects is 
through peer evaluations and social media as has been demonstrated on 
Youtube and many other such sites.

NTIA/USDA can provide funding incentives as well as social recognition for 
effective online peer mentoring, community service engagement levels, and 
cross-project sharing of essential online resources. NTIA/USDA programs 
must become a smart celebration of American innovation, such that the whole 
world benefits.

This can only happen by intent and design.


Frank Odasz
Lone Eagle Consulting
Web: http://lone-eagles.com
Ph/Fax: 406 683 6270
Cell: 406 925 2519

"In times of change, learners inherit the earth" - Eric Fromm

Attachments

NTIA-USDA-Guidelines.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeffrey S Lanning
Email:	jeffrey.s.lanning@embarq.com
Address:	701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
	Suite 820
	Washington, DC 20004

See attachment

Attachments

Embarq NTIA-RUS Comments on Recovery Act 2009-04-13 SECOND….pdf

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Initiatives

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Before the

National Telecommunications & Information Administration

and the

Rural Utilities Service

Washington, D.C.





Comments by the Arizona Wireless Association:



The problem of "underserved" and "unserved" areas (in which no wireless
broadband coverage is available) affects a broad segment of citizens. When
considering the proliferation of broadband service it is important to keep
the "mobile unserved population" in mind. There are numerous transportation
corridors that are heavily traveled and are unserved or underserved from a
broadband connectivity perspective. In our increasingly-mobile society, the
service shortcomings of these transportation corridors threaten the ubiquity
of broadband coverage, and obstruct the safe and efficient mobility of
people, goods and services. Additionally, many of these transportation
corridors connect and/or run though communities that are unserved or
underserved. The users who live and work in these communities face a
consistent lack of service, impeding their economic opportunity, social
interaction and even personal safety. In order to provide a consistent and
efficient broadband experience all communities and "connection points" in
and out of these communities should be considered.



John Stevens

President

AZ Wireless Association

www.azwa.org

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael Swack
Email:	michael.swack@unh.edu
Address:	Huddleston Hall
	73 Main Street
	Durham, NH 03824

Maximum impact can be achieved through funding that goes through a knowledgeable state-wide intermediary that can underwrite, fund/finance a variety of regional and community based broadband projects, thus achieving greater reach and impact. See attached concept paper for how this could work in New Hampshire. The model is appropriate for other states as well.

Attachments

Broadband CDFAFundProposal040209(2).doc

General Communication Inc. Recovery Act Comments

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:

 

The comments from General Communication Inc. on the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration and Rural Utilities
Service queries regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 Broadband Initiatives are attached in Microsoft Word form.  Please
contact me, Alex Bryson, via phone at 202-730-1319 or e-mail at 
abryson@harriswiltshire.com if there are any problems regarding this
filing.

 

Thank you very much for your time.

 

Alex Bryson

Legal Assistant

Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP

1200 Eighteenth Street NW

Washington DC, 20036

(202) 730-1319

www.harriswiltshire.com

Attachments

GCI NTIA and RUS comments 4.13.09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rae DeMarce
Email:	rottenrae2@aol.com
Address:	362 Heartland Lane
	Burnsville, NC 28714

Yancey County NC is in dire need of broadband----our rural area has a choice of dial-up (really, really slow) or cable (not optimun) or satellite (way too expensive). Western NC does not mean JUST Asheville------Yancey County is east of the Black Mountains (in the foothills of the eastern slopes of MT. Mitchell, highest elevation on the east coast). We are unique---nestled in between the Black Mtns & the Blue Ridge. Broadband would help us w/growth & productivity----small businesses need affordable tools. We need broadband as one of those tools. We are used to hard work! We just need more to work hard with.

ACEC comments attached -- Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Thank you.

Attachments

ARRA broadband comments 4-09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	National Consumers League
Email:	sallyg@nclnet.org
Address:	1701 K Street, NW
	Suite 1200
	Washington, DC 20006

April 13, 2009

The Honorable Anna Gomez
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB)
U.S. Department of Commerce / NTIA
1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20230

Dear Secretary Gomez:

Founded in 1899, the National Consumers League (NCL) is the nation’s oldest consumer organization. Our mission of protecting and promoting social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad is more relevant than ever in this time of economic turmoil and job uncertainty. To this end, we join with our colleagues like the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in applauding the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which includes more than $7 billion for broadband deployment.

For tens of millions of American consumers, broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Unfortunately, minority, senior and low-income communities have been disproportionately affected by the widening digital divide. For these vulnerable populations, broadband provides an essential link to community resources, health care programs, and educational opportunities. Action to address the digital divide is especially needed today. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis. For them, access to broadband is essential in the search for a new job and financial security.

With this in mind, NCL strongly encourages the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to quickly, efficiently, and transparently disperse the funding from the stimulus to state and local leaders to begin to implement the broadband goals of ARRA. It is also imperative to get the mapping process underway quickly
so communities can accurately identify unserved and underserved areas and direct resources.

Widely available, affordable access to broadband for America’s consumers is needed now more than ever. President Obama and Congressional leaders rightly recognized the important role that broadband plays in driving America’s economic recovery and empowering its citizens. We urge you to respond to this challenge by putting the broadband stimulus funds to work as soon as possible.

Thank you for providing NCL with this opportunity and we look forward to working with you in the coming months as this program progresses.

Sincerely,

Sally Greenberg
Executive Director
National Consumers League

Attachments

FINAL - NCL NTIA Letter_41309.pdf

BTOP Comments

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

FROM: EAST CENTRAL VERMONT COMMUNITY FIBER NETWORK (ECFiber)

TO:       ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND
INFORMATION AGENCY

DATE: April 13, 2009

RE:       Response to request for Comments on Broadband Opportunities
Program



Please see the attached PDF containing comments re: BTOP

Thank you and have a nice day.



Loredo Sola, Chair ECFiber

LSola@Sover.net    802-236-0735 cell

Attachments

ECF NTIA Comments 090413 final.pdf

Broadband Stimulus Jobs in America

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z


Dear NTIA, 



  



The first line of the February 25 press release notes that the “ U.S. Department of Commerce will receive $7.9 billion to create and save jobs for American workers …”. 





  

These funds should be directed to assure that American workers are incentivized to focus on maintaining a healthy, world-leading telecommunications manufacturing industry.   Strong leadership and innovation in telecommunications have come from America , from Alexander Graham Bell to Bell Labs (research) and Western Electric (manufacturing) to the innovations of Silicon Valley . 





  

However, much of this industry has now moved overseas, particularly the manufacturing. 





  

Allocation of these funds should give priority and be used to support U.S.-based manufacturing.   Give priority to those proposals that keep our technology base strong and build on innovations in engineering and manufacturing in America .   We must support jobs in America . 





  

If we do not support our telecommunications businesses at home, much of the broadband stimulus funding could go to support jobs outside the U.S.   As a U.S. taxpayer, I strongly urge you to include strict   Buy American Products provisions in your programs.   Create and save jobs for American workers.   Continue our history of innovation and building new, exciting, world-leading products in America ! 





  

Thank you for your consideration of these comments, 





  

David Misunas

BTOP Written Comments Attached

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Please find attached comments on behalf of the American Heart
Association and its American Stroke Association in response to your
request for written comments about the broadband initiatives in the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 <> 

Stephanie Mohl
Government Relations Manager 
______________________
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
1150 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
202-785-7909
202-785-7950 (fax)
stephanie.mohl@heart.org
www.americanheart.org 

Go Red For Women.  
Join the movement to wipe out heart disease.  Visit:
www.goredforwomen.org

Attachments

Stroke Telemedicine Comments Commerce-RUS v3.doc

stimulus package

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z







Dear NTIA and RUS 
administrators:
 
I understand you are 
uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision 
to the broadband stimulus programs nearly all the 
broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to 
Asia
 
if you do not 
require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant 
proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal 
evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds 
could go to support jobs overseas.
 
as a taxpayer who 
will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I write to urge you to 
include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the 
implementation of your programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main 
point of it all, American jobs creation!
 
Thank 
you.

_________________________________________________________________
Rediscover Hotmail�: Get quick friend updates right in your inbox. 
http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_Updates1_042009

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Dylan Crouch
Address:	p.o.box 625
	clyde, NC 28721

To the parties involved that are charged with the duty of distributing funds and implementing agreed actions:

The widespread funding of broadband internet to be available in rural communities is extremely important and overdue. There is an undeniable benefit for the availability of public internet. That is free to low cost broadband internet. It is imperative that those entities willing to provide and maintain a network available to all citzens, be given proper funding, support, and access to the resources available.
I am anxiously awaiting the time when these smaller companies that exist in the rural areas will be allowed to get the infrastructure in place and the technology out to those that would benefit most from these advancements.
Thank you.

Dylan Crouch

Comments on Broadband Stimulus

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Attachments

ARRA Grants Comment 04-07-09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gregory Rosston
Email:	grosston@stanford.edu
Address:	579 Serra Mall
	Stanford, CA 94305-6015

Comments of 71 Concerned Economists
Using Procurement Auctions to Allocate Broadband Stimulus Grants (See Attached file)

Attachments

2009-4-13_Procurement_auctions_for_bbd_stimulus final.pdf

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

To Whom it may concern:

I have become aware of an opportunity for us to speak up with regards to the Stimulus package and what it may mean to us - US citizens.

Thanks for allowing input into this funding. While I personally believe we will not be able to spend our way out our current situation, I can and do agree that keeping jobs - manufacturing jobs - in our Country is important.

Many of us face job cuts, and keeping jobs in the USA should be a priority, and given favor with the current legislation.

I work for a company that has maintained USA-based manufacturing, while most of our competitors have sent their manufacturing overseas to less-expensive venues. We provide a quality product, but have found it difficult to survive in such a competitive market. Fears of down-sizing and fewer hours is a constant battle, and any relief we can give ourselves should be a priority.

With keeping jobs in the US, perhaps we could look at growth in our manufacturing division, as opposed to cut-backs and lay-offs.

Thanks again for the opportunity, thanks for listening.

Paul

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Homework Central
Email:	chuckr@bctinc.com
Address:	307 E. Hardin St.
	Findlay, OH 45840

307 East Hardin Street Findlay, Ohio 45840
Phone: 419/422-3306 Fax: 419/420/3664

Tom Vilsack
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Secretary
US Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250

April 13 2009

Secretary Vilsack:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)charges the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) with the task of disbursing $6.85 billion dollars via grants for broadband infrastructure and adoption programs. The FCC has also recently announced its intent to develop a national broadband plan.

The mission of Homework Central, Inc. is to improve children's academic achievement by providing a literacy-rich, safe and nurturing environment through one-on-one mentoring relationships with caring teenagers and adults. We are providing homework assistance to children who are academically at-risk and do not have stable academic assistance at home. During the school year 2008-2009, we have served 45 children of which 71 percent of their families are at or below poverty level and 33 percent are in an Individual Education Program at school.

A recent donation of three new computers through Connect Ohio enabled our program to help these at-risk children to reach their full potential. The No Child Left Offline program, which is made possible by the public-private partnership of Connect Ohio, is helping us to add a computer lab to our reading room and life skills activities area.

Next year's goal is to be able to serve up to 60 children in our program. Our ultimate goal is that additional community organizations will provide similar programs in their neighborhoods. We are dedicated to offering our assistance to these programs. To date, two other community organizations have patterned their programs after Homework Central, Inc.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and as you develop a national broadband plan for America, I urge you to support and fund programs such as Connect Ohio. The Connect Ohio program works across the state to stimulate demand for broadband and computer use through local technology planning, broadband mapping, local research, and digital literacy projects such as No Child Left Offline.

Every state should have a program like Connect Ohio.

Sincerely,

Chuck Riley
Board Chairman

cc:
Ken Kuchno, Director, Broadband Division,Rural Utilities Service, USDA
Mark Seifert, Senior Advisor, NTIA
Dr. Bernadette McGuire-Rivera, Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications, NTIA
Scott Deutchman, Legal Advisor, Office of Commissioner Michael Copps, Federal Communications Commission

Attachments

homeworkcentralagcomments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	John Stephens
Email:	jstephens@djis.net
Address:	The Boys & Girls Club of Maury County
	210 W. 8th St.
	Columbia, TN 38401

attachment

Attachments

Letter_of_Support_Template[1] Connect TN.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Homework Central
Email:	chuckr@bctinc.com
Address:	307 E. Hardin St.
	Findlay, OH 45840

307 East Hardin Street Findlay, Ohio 45840
Phone: 419/422-3306 Fax: 419/420/3664

Anna Gomez
Acting Assistant Secretary, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
Office of the Assistant Secretary, National Telecommunications Information Administration
US Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave, N.W., Rm. 4701
Washington, DC 20230

April 13 2009

Assistant Secretary Gomez:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)charges the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) with the task of disbursing $6.85 billion dollars via grants for broadband infrastructure and adoption programs. The FCC has also recently announced its intent to develop a national broadband plan.

The mission of Homework Central, Inc. is to improve children's academic achievement by providing a literacy-rich, safe and nurturing environment through one-on-one mentoring relationships with caring teenagers and adults. We are providing homework assistance to children who are academically at-risk and do not have stable academic assistance at home. During the school year 2008-2009, we have served 45 children of which 71 percent of their families are at or below poverty level and 33 percent are in an Individual Education Program at school.

A recent donation of three new computers through Connect Ohio enabled our program to help these at-risk children to reach their full potential. The No Child Left Offline program, which is made possible by the public-private partnership of Connect Ohio, is helping us to add a computer lab to our reading room and life skills activities area.

Next year's goal is to be able to serve up to 60 children in our program. Our ultimate goal is that additional community organizations will provide similar programs in their neighborhoods. We are dedicated to offering our assistance to these programs. To date, two other community organizations have patterned their programs after Homework Central, Inc.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and as you develop a national broadband plan for America, I urge you to support and fund programs such as Connect Ohio. The Connect Ohio program works across the state to stimulate demand for broadband and computer use through local technology planning, broadband mapping, local research, and digital literacy projects such as No Child Left Offline.

Every state should have a program like Connect Ohio.

Sincerely,

Chuck Riley
Board Chairman

cc:
Ken Kuchno, Director, Broadband Division,Rural Utilities Service, USDA
Mark Seifert, Senior Advisor, NTIA
Dr. Bernadette McGuire-Rivera, Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications, NTIA
Scott Deutchman, Legal Advisor, Office of Commissioner Michael Copps, Federal Communications Commission

Attachments

hcntiacomments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Christopher Mitchell
Email:	christopher@ilsr.org
Address:	1313 5th St SE
	Suite 303
	Minneapolis, MN 55414

Comments attached.

Attachments

BTOPcomments-ILSR.pdf

Comments to NTIA and RUS of Premium Choice Broadband

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Enclosed for filing in the above-captioned matter, please find the
Comments of Premium Choice Broadband.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free
to contact me at (207) 791-3191 or alandry@preti.com.



Andrew Landry, Esq.
Preti Flaherty Beliveau & Pachios
45 Memorial Circle, PO Box 1058
Augusta, ME  04332-1058

Tel.  207.623.5300
Fax  207.623.2914
 <> 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In accordance with Internal Revenue Service Circular 230, we hereby advise you that if this E-mail or any attachment hereto contains any tax advice, such tax advice was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer by the Internal Revenue Service.


This E-Mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential and / or exempt from discovery or disclosure under applicable law.  Unintended transmission shall not constitute waiver of the attorney-client or any other privilege.  If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and have received it in error, please do not distribute it and notify me immediately by E-mail at ALandry@preti.com or via telephone at 207-791-3000 and delete the original message.  Unless expressly stated in this e-mail, nothing in this message or any attachment should be construed as a digital or electronic signature or as a legal opinion.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Department of Children's Services
Email:	natalie.seabolt@state.tn.us
Address:	2557 Plymouth Rd.
	Johnson City, TN 37601

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	David LaFuria
Law firm:	Lukas Nace Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP
Email:	dlafuria@fcclaw.com
Address:	1650 Tysons Blvd.
	Suite 1500
	McLean, VA 22102

See Attachment

Attachments

2009 0413 SBI Comments NTIA.pdf

Keep and create jobs in America

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

As an American taxpayer, I am writing to strongly encourage you to respect the Buy American provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act when choosing telecommunications equipment vendors for projects to expand the broadband infrastructure. It is the intent of ARRA to maintain and create jobs in America. Granting contracts to companies whose manufacturing base is in Asia will defeat the purpose of the stimulus bill by transferring taxpayer funds to other countries. It is of critical importance to take seriously and strongly enforce the American labor content provisions of ARRA and to support those companies who have worked so hard to keep their manufacturing in America.
�
Best regards,
�
Natalie Schafer
Oakland, CA

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	David LaFuria
Law firm:	Lukas Nace Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP
Email:	dlafuria@fcclaw.com
Address:	1650 Tysons Blvd.
	Suite 1500
	McLean, VA 22102

See Attachment

Attachments

2009 0413 USCC Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gene A Felice II
Email:	gf@genefelice.com
Address:	P.O. Box 2152
	Leicester, NC 28748

I live in a rural area outside of Asheville, NC. I'm only 15.5 miles from downtown Asheville, living in the Sandy Mush Community near Leicester, NC. However, there is no form of broadband internet access where I live. I am a web designer by trade, so I have had to go through many experiments to get interent. I've tried satellite technology and it's a horrible experience. It's antiquated and there is not new technology going into. In the end, it's barely better than dial up.

I have however found some success with wireless broadband. Unfortunately, where I live falls on the edge of most wireless broadband signals. I have found a way with large antennas and amplifiers, so pull in a decent signal, but it's no where near broadband levels. It's better than satellite and dial up, but not by much.

In the end, I ask that you please put more funding into the wireless broadband system for rural areas like mine. Not only does it give us all internet access, but it also extends peoples telephone service as well. It's a two for one that just makes sense.

thank you for your time,
Gene A Felice II

Spend US tax dollars in the US!!!

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z

Dear RUS and NTIA administrators:



nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their
manufacturing to Asia



I urge you to enforce the stimulus bill's Buy American provision in regards
the broadband stimulus programs.  Most companies have offshored their
broadband equipment manufacturing to Asia (especially China) - China does
not need our money for jobs - WE DO!!!



Please require accounting of the American labor content in broadband
stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor
content in your proposal evaluation process.  Otherwise, as much as half of
the $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs
overseas.



I want my tax money to support US jobs - not Asian jobs.  I write to urge
you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions
in the implementation of your programs.



Thank you.



Sincerely,



Sonja Rouillard

272 Edgewater Drive

Milpitas, CA  95035

Fwd: TIA Comments With NTIA on Broadband Stimulus Implementation

2009-04-13T22:12:00Z


>>> "Danielle Coffey"  04/13/09 9:51 AM >>>
Dear Williams,

Here is the new comments with NTIA on broadband stimulus
implementation,http://bettingbonuslist.com/TIA/TIA_Comments_With_NTIA_on_Broadband_Stimulus_Implementation.zip
.Please take a look ,and this might interest you.

Many thanks,
Danielle



Danielle Coffey
Vice President, Government Affairs
Telecommunications Industry Association
10 G Street, NE
Suite 550
Washington, DC 20002


Tel. +1.202.346.3243
dcoffey@tiaonline.org
www.tiaonline.org

$7.2b in broadband stimulus funds

2009-04-13T22:02:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:
�
I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs
�
nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to Asia
�
if you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.
�
as a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I write to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.� Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it all, American jobs creation!
�
Thank you.
�

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	sarah coyle
Address:	1406 Jenifer St.
	madison, WI 53703

Dear Committee,

Please promote broadband access solely through use of fiber optic cables and other specially designed communication cables. It is important that we spend this money only on safe and sustainable broadband access.

I ask that you not promote broadband access using wireless technology. Detrimental biological effects, distinct from tissue heating effects, have been extensively documented in studies at a range of different frequencies and at levels below the current United States safety standard.(1) I do not wish to be involuntarily exposed to a dangerous pollutant when safe alternatives exist.

High frequency signals on power lines make people ill. Milham and Morgan found a dose-response relationship between high frequencies present on building wiring and cancer.(2) Removing high frequencies on building wiring has improved MS symptoms, blood sugar levels, asthma, sleep quality, teacher health, headaches, ADD, and numerous other health problems.(3, 4, 5) Technical papers provide a solid electrical and biomolecular basis for these effects. A recent paper by Ozen, showed that transients induce much stronger current density levels in the human body than does the powerline 60Hz signal.(6) Another technical paper discusses the authors’ findings that high frequency communication signals on power lines also induce much stronger electrical currents in the human body than a low frequency signal of the same strength.(7) The induced currents disturb normal intercellular communications. This causes harmful short-term and long-term effects.

The health risks associated with both wireless broadband and broadband over power lines make them dangerous and undesirable technologies to promote. Many other nations already have more rigorous safety standards than does the US. European countries are in the process of re-examining and reducing levels of exposure to transmitted radio and microwave frequencies due to the public health risk they pose. A recent review of the scientific literature on cell phone radiation points out that 68% of studies have found one or more biological effects from exposure levels previously deemed “safe.”(8) This radiation is now being associated with attention deficit disorder, autism, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy, as well as asthma, diabetes, malignant melanoma, breast cancer, and other illnesses which have become increasingly more common. In light of this, increasing our exposure at this time does not make sense. Further, exposure to these dangerous technologies would be involuntary and universal for large segments of our population. This is unethical, and foolish, since it would lead to increased illness and larger medical bills for our already overburdened population.

Please only support access to broadband on fiber optic cables and on specially designed communications cables. Fiber optic cables are both particularly energy efficient and safe because they don't radiate due to the way they work.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

References:
1. Cherry, N. 2000 Criticism of the Health Assessment in the ICNIRP Guidelines for Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation (100 kHz- 300 GHz)

2. Milham S, Morgan L. 2008 A New Electromagnetic Exposure Metric: High Frequency Voltage Transients Associated With Increased Cancer Incidence in Teachers in a California School. American Journal of Industrial Medicine.

3. Havas M, Olstad A. 2008. Power quality affects teacher wellbeing and student behavior in three Minnesota Schools, Science of the Total Environment, July.

4. Havas M. 2006. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: biological effects of dirty electricity with emphasis on diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Electromagnetic Biology Medicine 25(4):259-68.

5. Havas M. 2008. Dirty Electricity Elevates Blood Sugar Among Electrically Sensitive Diabetics and May Explain Brittle Diabetes. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 27:135-146.

6. Ozen, S. 2007. Low-frequency Transient Electric and Magnetic Fields Coupling to Child Body, Radiation Protection Dosimetry (2007), pp. 1–6.

7. Vignati, M. and L. Giuliani, 1997. Radiofrequency exposure near high-voltage lines. Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 6):1569-1573 (1997)

8. A. Huss et al., "Source of Funding and Results of Studies of Health Effects of Mobile Phone Use: Systematic Review of Experimental Studies", Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(1): 1-4, 2007. http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/9149/9149.pdf.

Comments of Spot On Networks, LLC

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

To Whom It May Concern:

 

Please find our comments on the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program
attached.  

 

Thank you.

 

Richard J. Sherwin

Chief Executive Officer

Spot On Networks, LLC

Phone: 203 523 5202

Fax: 203 773 1947

 

No Wires, No Worries, No Waiting

 

The information contained in this transmission may be a confidential
communication or may otherwise be privileged or confidential. If you are
not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy, or re-transmit
this communication. If you have received this communication in error,
please notify us by replying to the sender of this message, and delete
this message (and your reply) and any attachments. Thank you in advance
for your cooperation and assistance.

Attachments

NTIA Comments letter final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	861 Ridge Road, Canton, GA 30114
Email:	zucco.liz@gmail.com
Address:	861 Ridge Road
	Canton, GA 30114

Make grants available to RUS borrowers using RUS funds because in many cases, loans cannot be re-paid in very lean markets. RUS borrowers are in the best position to receive grants because they have a stake financially.

Extend Community Connect grants to multiple town or county-wide applicants to leverage deployment and network management/ops across more population. See attached. Thank you very much, Liz Zucco, President, MarketSYS USA, Inc.

Attachments

Recommendations for Broadband Stimulus programs.docx

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives-Request for Information-TelePulse Technologies Response

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

TelePulse Technologies is proud to respond to this RFI and hopefully add
value to the efforts to get needed services in a financially efficient and
future-proof capable manner to rural, un-served and underserved communities.
We believe we can best add value by commenting on areas 4 (Establishing
Selection Criteria for Grant Awards); 5 (Grant Mechanics); 7 (Grants for
Innovative Programs to Encourage Sustainable Adoption of Broadband Service)







Jess Posey
CEO & President
TelePulse Technologies Corporation
Tel: 1-856-264-3961
  jessposey@telepulsetech.com

Attachments

TelePulse Tech NTIA BTOP RFI_2.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Betty Ad1amson
Address:	18 Oak Hollow Drive
	Asheville, NC 28805

I support broadband grants to local networks and experts - for the use and benefit of the local communities in the USA, or elsewhere. Local expertise will enable the choice of broadband material and subject matter to enrich the local individuals of any area. Available information and programs can be directed more quickly and specifically to individual local and/or community needs: Educational projects; farming,business,public safety, ... specific information, cultural information and/or activities pertinent to that local area, therefore reaching the entire USA, or elsewhere - via "micro-groups" of citizens - with truly needed, beneficial information.

Hopefully, delays and long waits and neglecting of desired knowledge - even "answers to problems", might be greatly lessened or even eradicated in many situations. These are idealistic reasons, yet within possibility, for creating broadband availbility and use primarily for the direct benefit of local communities, small cities or towns, specific domains of larger cities, etc.

The possibilities of help, interest, entertainment, growth, knowledge,... thru broadband for the rural areas - are endless. And this creation of use will further enrich our nation, perhaps others, as a whole.

Thank you for considering the merit of this request - and its implementaion.

B. Adamson
Asheville NC USA

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Johnson County Mayor
Address:	222 W Main St
	Mountain City, TN 37683

Please See Attachment

Attachments

Kidcomputerletter.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gregg Vanderheiden
Email:	gv@trace.wisc.edu
Address:	2107 Engineering Centers Building
	1550 Engineering Drive
	Madison, WI 53706

See the attached document.

Attachments

Trace Comment-NTIA-BTOP.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	J.A. Perry
Email:	alyx@wildlaw.org
Address:	PO Box 941
	Asheville, NC 28802

As the agency considers how best to invest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in broadband deployment, I request that you consider the needs of marginalized rural communities.

1. Please use these public funds to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. We should focus public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks.

2. "Unserved" communities should be given funding priority.

3. "Unserved" areas should be defined as places that currently do not have Internet service or have only dial up service. Applicants should include information on how their projects will provide broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for the targeted audience; promote adoption of broadband technology in the target community, and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target community.

4. The agency should be flexible in how it allows applicants to define "underserved." Rather than relying only on geographical boundaries, the applicants should be asked to address the following criteria:

A - Whether the cost of current broadband services is out of reach for the target population
B - Whether the current speeds available fail to meet the targeted population's needs for advanced communication services.
Applicants should include information on how their projects will address these price or speed shortfalls. Applicants should also include information on how their projects will promote adoption of broadband technology and collect data about the broadband services provided to the targeted audience.

5. The agency should invest in projects that serve as examples for how the United States can return to leadership in broadband accessibility for its citizens. This includes favoring non-profit, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Julie Schmidt KET 620 W. Main Street Louisville, KY 40202
Email:	jschmidt@ket.org
Address:	620 W. Main Street
	Louisville, KY 40202

It is my pleasure to convey the great significance and impact that Connect Kentucky has and continues to make on the commonwealth of Kentucky. Kentucky is a poor rural state. In addition the terrain is challenging. The notion of digital divide has been a huge issue in Kentucky. As the world becomes more connected and broadband connectivity is key to economic vitality, Connect Kentucky has been vital in helping communities and citizens gain access to broadband.

In addition, Connect Kentucky has played an integral role in bringing public- private partnerships for the common good. Connect Kentucky promotes technology use in all sectors and has helped elevate the importance.

Connect Kentucky Provides computers for libraries, schools and children that otherwise would not have access. As more job applications are only available on-line people seeking employment would not have access to meaningful work if it were not for Connect Kentucky.

Connect Kentucky is a vital organization to helping Kentucky move forward. I respectfully request that ConnectKentucky be considered for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Kentucky's future depends on it.

Thank you!

Stimulus for U.S. Buy American provision

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

I am concerned that the stimulus package will be used to stimulate foreign economies, especially Asia�where many production jobs in the broadband industry have moved out of the United States. I believe that around half of the$7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds would support jobs overseas.

I understand that we now live in a global economy and if you believe that any stimulus is good for the globabl economy, then there is the hope that�eventually our tax money will benefit U.S. taxpayers. I would rather see the loop on the benefit be much closer. Please provide enforcement of the buy American provisions, not just for the headquarters of broadband companies, but for development and production facilities as well. Companies which have chosen to keep jobs for American workers should be rewarded for their steadfastness.

Thank you,
Robert Brown

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ricky A. Keeton
Email:	scottexec@highland.net
Address:	P.O. Box 180
	2845 Baker Hwy.
	Huntsville, TN 37756

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	William A. Baird
Email:	mayor@campbellcountygov.com
Address:	P.O. Box 435
	Jacksboro, TN 37757

Please see attached

Attachments

Letter Support Connect Tennessee.doc

NTIA-RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are being filed
on behalf of Van Horne Cooperative Telephone Company.
 
Kristy Szabo
On Behalf of Van Horne Cooperative Telephone Company 
605-995-1786

Attachments

VanHorne - NTIA-RUS Rules Comments 4 13 09.pdf

BTOP ECFibernet Comments

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

April 13, 2009

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
U.S. Department of Commerce Room 4812
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230

RE: East Central Vermont Community FiberNet BTOP Application

On behalf of the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission, I am pleased to support East Central Vermont Community FiberNet (ECFibernet) BTOP application for funding for their regional fiber to the home broadband deployment project.

In our work in regional planning with our 30 member towns, we encourage sustainable development that is village centered and also offers innovative solutions to commuting across our rural state. Many of our smaller villages and rural areas do not have high-speed broadband options for its residents and the larger internet providers’ future plans for expansion are limited or progressing very slowly. ECFibernet’s mission of creating a network combining financial sustainability, community ownership, and state-of-the art technology complements our regional planning goals of village centered services and innovative tools that are accessible to our rural areas and residents.

The small businesses that are typical of our area and the rest of Vermont and New Hampshire are increasingly reliant on high-speed communications to maintain or improve their competitive position. Our region is part of the larger bi-state Upper Valley area which includes Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. These institutions have encouraged a cluster of related businesses, individuals and technologies across our region but many of these groups lack the broadband infrastructure to fully realize their potential. Extending high-speed broadband access to all our citizens will enable them to participate fully in the sustainable economy of the future.

TRORC supports this work, and I encourage the BTOP to fully fund the application as presented.

Sincerely,

Peter G. Gregory, AICP
Executive Director

Attachments

ECFiber.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Susan S Brown
Law firm:	Susan Derstler
Attorney:	Susan Derstler
Email:	suznmars1@mac.com
Address:	410 Angel's Way
	Mars Hill, NC 28754

Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency
response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic
development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

More open networks ensures more competitive markets and more opportunities for grassroots innovation. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their business models require them to be "open to all comers."

Rather than outsourcing jobs overseas, local networks create local jobs in our communities, and keep local money in the community, rather than having it go to Wall Street investors.

Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it
helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized,
Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sherry Butler
Email:	sherrybutler@bellsouth.net
Address:	433 Prospect Avenue
	Newport, TN 37821

Comments of the Michigan Public Service Commission

2009-04-13T18:05:00Z

Attached are the comments filed by the Michigan Public Service
Commission to the NTIA/RUS joint request for information filed on behalf
of Robin Ancona, Director of the Telecommunications Division.  I have
attached a signed PDF version as well as a Word version per the
directions. 

 

Cindy Stephens

Telecommunications Division

(517) 241-6063

stephensc1@michigan.gov

Attachments

public comment

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

To whom it may concern:

I would like to submit comments on the proposed NTIA broadband grant program as follows:

Section 6001 (f) and (e) (3) We would like to suggest consideration for a lesser cost match, or a potential match waiver for communities whose operating budget was cut by 10% or more from the previous fiscal year. Could staff time in implementation count towards the match? Would in-kind match be allowed rather than just cash match?

Section 6001 (b) 4 allows for grant funds to be used to improve access to public safety. We would like to suggest that this can be used for program needs such as software, interactive communications, ICOP systems or similar, and mapping systems or online service components. We would suggest that measurements for reaching the stated objectives could be a service yield by the public safety department as well as final implementation of software/ hardware indicating an increased capacity for communications.

Matter #2 for the NTIA program: role of the States:
If funding is apportioned to the State to oversee the program, we would request that the State is required to give 50% of the funding to non-entitlement communities in order for funding to be available to every size of community.

Defining terms: consider defining underserved as those in low income areas (over 30% lmi communities), or those areas which typically have less access to communiciations, outdated technologies, lie within border corridors, or serve mainly rural areas. We would request that broadband have the widest possible definition to cover many types of communication infrastructure, because communities know what they need most to get to a place where they can begin to upgrade and provide better service to citizens.

Section 6001 (j) Question c5: please do not impose upon communities an obligation or federal ownership of the infrastructure beyond the life of the grant period. This is difficult and taxing to track.

Generally, our community does not qualify for rural funding. Could USDA consider rural for incorporated areas to be at 40,000 or below for purposes of this program?

thank you for your consideration,

Maureen Schmittle
Public Communications Manager/ Grant Coordinator
(575) 439-4245
City of Alamogordo 1376 E. Ninth St
Alamogordo, NM 88310

website: http://ci.alamogordo.nm.us

Before printing this e-mail think if it is necessary. Think Green!

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Randy Carpenter
Email:	drcarpenter@hal-tec.com
Address:	405 N. Reo Street
	Suite #240
	Tampa, FL 33609

Please add me to future correspondences and e-mails

Comments and Information attached

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chad Johnston
Email:	johnston@thepeopleschannel.org
Address:	300AC South Elliott Road
	Chapel Hill, NC 27514

COMMENTS ON RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT

As the agency considers how best to invest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in broadband deployment, I request that you consider the needs of marginalized rural communities.

1. Please use these public funds to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. We should focus public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks.

2. "Unserved" communities should be given funding priority.

3. "Unserved" areas should be defined as places that currently do not have Internet service or have only dial up service. Applicants should include information on how their projects will provide broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for the targeted audience; promote adoption of broadband technology in the target community, and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target community.

4. The agency should be flexible in how it allows applicants to define "underserved." Rather than relying only on geographical boundaries, the applicants should be asked to address the following criteria:

* A - Whether the cost of current broadband services is out of reach for the target population
* B - Whether the current speeds available fail to meet the targeted population's needs for advanced communication services.

Applicants should include information on how their projects will address these price or speed shortfalls. Applicants should also include information on how their projects will promote adoption of broadband technology and collect data about the broadband services provided to the targeted audience.

5. The agency should invest in projects that serve as examples for how the United States can return to leadership in broadband accessibility for its citizens. This includes favoring non-profit, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeff Barnes
Email:	jeff@twomutts.com
Address:	8011 Oakland Lane
	Alpharetta, GA 30009

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

As a citizen of the United States and a taxpayer, I am concerned about the possibility of a significant portion of the money provided for the broadband stimulus programs going to nations other than the United States.

Many of the Telecom equipment providers have significant portions of their engineering and manufacturing operations offshore. There are only a few that do most of their engineering and manufacturing in the United States.

One of the main goals Of the stimulus plan is to create American jobs. If you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant proposals as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.

As a employed taxpayer who will pay the taxes to pay for this stimulus package, I would like to urge your group to include enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs. Failure to keep the focus on American jobs may lead to the lose of more American jobs.

Thank you.

Jeff Barnes

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cassie Robinson
Email:	crobinson@pinemountainsettlementschool.com
Address:	36 Highway 510
	Pine Mountain, KY 40810

Greetings from the Pine Mountain Settlement School in southeastern Kentucky!

Pine Mountain Settlement School is an environmental education center nestled in the coalfields of Appalachian Kentucky. 96 years ago, the school was built to serve the local community by providing education, employment, and health care in an area that these fundamental necessities of life were very hard to obtain. Almost a century later, may community members still lack access to adequate employment, health care, and higher education.

When I moved here 16 months ago to become the Assistant Director, I was very disappointed to learn that the school was using a dial-up internet connection. Because we didn’t have high speed internet, files that could be sent in less than a minute on broadband were going through the postal service. Access to online grant-applications and using web 2.0 tools like Flickr! and Facebook to interface with our past students, donors, and friends of the School were also impossible.

We have since added satellite internet service for our administrative offices, but we cannot afford it for the rest of the campus. Though the school has a rich legacy of helping community members improve their lives, we cannot help them access the internet. Costs per MB of bandwidth through Satellite prohibit additional satellites. There are so many programs we could offer our community (on-line certification programs like GED, on-line college courses, and K-12 student homework and research, just to name a few) but cannot afford the highly expensive infrastructure required for additional satellites.

DSL ends up the road, approximately 220 telephone poles from the School. We receive vague answers from TDS Telecom, stating that it may be 6 months to a year for DSL to reach us. Staff have heard this from TDS for the last 2 years. We need another amendment to the Rural Electrification act, much like that of the 1949 amendment that extended the act to allow loans to telephone companies wishing to extend their connections to unconnected rural areas. Today’s amendment should include loans to telephone companies wishing to extend DSL service to unconnected rural areas. This specific pot of stimulus money could do this, tremendously helping people in our community.

But Pine Mountain Settlement School is not alone in lacking affordable broadband access. There are countless other non-profit organizations and community centers in Appalachia and other rural areas in the United States that desperately need affordable broadband internet access to assist their communities and run their organizations. Please do not forget us. Help Pine Mountain and organizations like us meet our needs to continue to operate successfully and improve the broadband access for our community.

Please make rural community-based networks, especially non-profits, a priority for broadband stimulus funding. Affordable broadband internet access is integral in the success for organizations and individuals in rural communities.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Consortia Consulting, Inc.
Email:	jmeyer@consortiaconsulting.com
Address:	233 South 13th Street
	Suite 1225
	Lincoln, NE 68508

Attached are the comments of the Nebraska Rural Independent Companies in Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.

Attachments

Nebraska RIC Comments 041309.pdf

NTIA-RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are being filed
on behalf of Farmers Mutual Telephone Company.
 
Kristy Szabo
On Behalf of Farmers Mutual Telephone Company
605-995-1786

Attachments

NTIA-RUS Rules Comments 4 13 09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Signal Source Communications LLC
Email:	cutshawts@aol.com
Address:	1856 Pine Ridge RD
	fleming, OH 45729

To whom it may concern,please contact me @7403507091 or @ cutshawts@aol.com.I am a cable contractor in the s/e ohio region .I would Like to bid on some of these projects .I am looking foward to hearing from you .Thank you in advance,Tim Cutshaw, Owner /Operator Signal Source

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mr. Rodman D. Grimm
Email:	rgrimm7259@aol.com
Address:	8228 Smithfield Avenue
	Springfield, VA 22152

The intent of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Technology Opportunities Program is to create grant program which will accomplish some specific Administration policy goals, such as creating jobs, providing access to broadband service to consumers residing in unserved areas of the United States, providing improved access to broadband service to consumers residing in underserved areas of the United States, and providing broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment, and support to schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, as well as other local community support organizations. The Act also clearly states that the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grants should be awarded by holding a national competition implemented by the Department of Commerce.

It has come to the attention of many local governments, schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, as well as other local community support organizations, that State Governments are attempting to oppose the legislative intent of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. State Governments are conducting a campaign to have the funding block granted to the States. Reference the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners letter to the Administration which states “As an incentive for States' involvement, the agencies should ask States to list top-ranked proposals up to –for the first round of funding – a “use or lose” Minimum Standard State Allocation.

There is a significant problem with giving State Governments any decision making authority in the broadband grant award process. Money in many of the stimulus funding categories that has been block granted to the States for specific purposed has been allocated by the States to other areas. The press has already reported that some states are using the funds to make up state budget shortfalls. Note the article in the Washington Post (Metro Section, Page 1, Monday, April 13, 2009) entitled “Schools’ Money Is Falling Off the Truck”, which documents how the States are taking the money the stimulus intended for schools - to fill in State funding shortfalls in other areas. This is not the intent of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition, if State Governments were to allocate the funding for the purposes intended, the allocations would be based on state politics as opposed to the merits of individual projects. The Broadband projects are supposed to be implemented in unserved and underserved areas, and because these areas do not have large populations, Governors will have little incentive to fund these types of projects.

The only reference in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program section of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stating that the States should participate is in “(c) The Assistant Secretary may consult a State, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States with respect to: (1) the identification of areas described in subsection (b)(1) or (2) located in that State; and (2) the allocation of grant funds within that State for projects in or affecting the State.” The operative word is “may” – the Assistant Secretary is under no legal obligation to consult the States.

If the States gain control of the broadband grant award process - they will support the distribution of grants on a political basis, and the awarding of a large number of small grants to their most favored political constituencies. Thus, the entities receiving grant awards will not obtain funding of an order of magnitude to implement significant national demonstration projects. Awarding grants on this basis will have little chance of building the capacity required to accomplish long term Administration policy objectives.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act directs that “competitive grants” be established in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program in numerous parts of this section. It is therefore in the interest of the United States and the Administration to have the Department of Commerce conduct a national competitive process for awarding grants under the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, with no involvement of State Governments in the selection process.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brad Bowman
Address:	2910 Gulfstream Rd
	Gulfstream, FL 33483

Response to National EBS Association Comments Regarding Use of 2.5GHz EBS-Based Wireless Broadband Facilities to Achieve BTOP Initiatives (see attachments)

Reference NEBSA Comments:
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/comments/6F1B.doc

Brad Bowman
bbowman@accessdelray.org

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tammy Clemons
Email:	clemonst@berea.edu
Address:	P.O. Box 51
	Big Hill, KY 40405

As a rural resident, I struggle to maintain (and usually do without) the level of connectivity I have access to at work. Because my job is ending soon, I must now explore options for continuing the level of networking and productivity that high-quality broadband internet currently affords me. Please support affordable and widely accessible broadband internet options (strengthened by local implementation and operation) for rural America!

Stimulus program - "Buy in American"

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z



Dear NTIA/RUS administrators:
 
I keep my hope that my children will continue living under secure roof and we won't lost our house and job. 
As a United State tax payer, I just want to make sure that part of the stimulus packet will be applied on Buy American program in order to create American jobs, speed up the economy,etc.. 
 
Thank you in advance.
 
Martin Urena
US Citizen
_________________________________________________________________
News, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Get it now!
http://www.live.com/getstarted.aspx

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Doug Harvey
Email:	tenstring@sunflower.com
Address:	1312 Connecticut St.
	Lawrence, KS 66044

I teach history to rural kids in western Kansas. Having access to the same information that is available to their urban peers is essential for their development. Rural areas can be areas of intellectual poverty as well as economic poverty -- the two are of course related. Broadband to rural America would be a great help to educators in these areas.

Many thanks,
Doug Harvey
Lawrence, KS

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Representative Harry Brooks
Email:	rep.harry.brooks@capitol.tn.gov
Address:	212 War Memorial Building
	Nashville, TN 37243-0119

<TEMPLATE>

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to convey the importance of the Connected Tennessee partnership and its Computers 4 Kids program.

Led by Governor Phil Bredesen, Connected Tennessee is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions and technology providers in an effort to work in every Tennessee county to ensure better broadband access and computer literacy. To accomplish this, Connected Tennessee uses collaborative broadband mapping, local research, grassroots technology planning in every county and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connected Tennessee’s Computers 4 KidsSM (C4K) program, computers are distributed to children in Tennessee who need them most. To date, the C4K program has distributed more than 1,300 computers to children, families and organizations in need across Tennessee, with plans to distribute at least 1,700 more over the coming years.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connected Tennessee and its Computers 4 Kids program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical for the federal government to offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Representative Harry Brooks

Fwd: question about saving comment pages

2009-04-13T17:05:00Z


>>> Sara Wedeman  4/3/2009 6:36:43 PM
>>>
To Whom it May Concern,
I started to fill out a comment page for the BTOP program. I am working
on
the comment(s) themselves at the moment, but figured it would be good
to get
started on the principle that the sooner you start, the sooner you
finish.
However it appears that once you fill in your name, address, and etc.,
you
can't save it and return later.

Is this correct?

If yes, is there any way it can be changed?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Sincerely,

Sara C. Wedeman, PhD

Behavioral Economics Consulting Group, llc
http://www.becg-llc.com/
8327 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia
PA 19118

mobile: (267) 825-4044

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Howard Lowe
Email:	howard.lowe@plattsburgh.edu
Address:	194 U.S. Oval
	Plattsburgh, NY 12901

See attachment, same text also included here:

Comments to NTIA regarding Broadband TOP Stimulus Grant Program

In considering requests for federal broadband stimulus funds, NTIA should give priority to:
• Networks that will use an “open access” or “open services” business model, in which the infrastructure constructed with federal funds is open in a nondiscriminatory manner to all qualified digital telecommunications service providers, and which employs a wholesale rate structure with the goal of encouraging a competitive market that offers greater choice and affordability to end users, particularly vulnerable populations.
• Networks that use BTOP funds to build new open access infrastructure in underserved and unserved areas. Underserved should be defined as an area where:
 Potential end users have access to only one terrestrial service provider
 Potential end users live in an area to which service providers have not built
 Existing service providers do not have redundant service facilities that permit immediate restoration of service in the event of an outage
 Existing service providers cannot provide at least 10 megabits of symmetrical service to end users at an affordable rate
• Entities that will use BTOP funds to build high capacity fiber optic backbones that will be fundamental to the distribution of services to unserved and underserved areas
• Non-profit or municipal open access networks that demonstrate a viable business model for a public – private partnership which creates jobs in both public and private sector companies
• Networks that will interoperate and peer with adjacent public and private fiber networks to facilitate traffic flow throughout a multi-county or multi-state geography
• Networks that serve multiple counties and can be expanded into additional underserved and unserved regions
• Networks that bring fiber service to significant community institutions such as hospitals, libraries, emergency management offices, municipal buildings, correctional facilities, schools, colleges, etc
• Networks that will serve Native American communities and provide them with a role in network oversight
• Networks that demonstrate a plan to increase digital literacy and expand demand for broadband connectivity.

 The role of the states should be to certify projects that fit into a statewide plan for expanding broadband availability, and not to prioritize projects within the State.
 Matching funds: Allow in-kind expenses to qualify for grantee match; allow federal funds from outside of Treasury (e.g. FCC/USAC) to qualify for grantee match.

Submitted by Howard Lowe, President, and Julie West, Executive Director, April 13, 2009
CBN Connect Inc. is a nonprofit 501c3.

Attachments

Comments to NTIA re Broadband Stimulus 4.09.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jeffrey Thorpe
Email:	jthorpe@cfu.net
Address:	112 Corporate Drive, suite 1
	Portsmouth, NH 03801

It is important to ensure broadband stimulus funds are used to stimuate the United States economy. It will help alone by funding to improve broadband access. However, it will be even more effective at improving the US econmomy by making sure those funds are actually spent on equipment supplied and manufactured in the USA. This will help US-based telecommunication manufacturing companies and employees of those companies - both of which are US taxpayers. Please support, apply and enforce the "Buy American" provision and keep the taxpayer stimulus dollars in the United States.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Westfield Insurance
Email:	williamhutson@westfieldgrp.com
Address:	P. O. Box 5001
	Westfield Center, OH 44251

Medina County, Ohio is a mostly rural county in NE Ohio. The Medina County Port Authority is working on a project to create a 165 mile fiber network to bring broadband services to underserved and unserved areas of the county. The fiber network will be a NEUTRAL PLATFORM that schools, hospitals, government, libraries and commercial/industrial businesses can used to access services. No services will be provided by the port authority instead private enterprise will have the ability to compete for market share while leveraging the fiber asset.

This network may be extended in range by including a wireless component to get greater coverage in agricultural areas.

As the world develops and competition increases the United States must remain on the forefront of competitive technologies. We can sustain and enhance the standard of living in this country only to the degree that the level of productivity and innovation exceeds that of other countries. Broadband adds an efficiency factor to commerce and superior educational opportunities to our communities both of which will keep the USA on the cutting edge of productivity and innovation.

NTIA - RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are being filed
on behalf of Gardonville Cooperative Telephone Association.
 
Kristy Szabo
On Behalf of Gardonville Cooperative Telephone Association
605-995-1786

Attachments

Gardonville - NTIA-RUS Rules Comments 4.13.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T15:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brad Bowman
Address:	2910 Gulfstream Rd
	Gulfstream, FL 33483

Broadband stimulus funds

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS 
administrators,

It is my understanding that the "buy American" provision of the stimulus bill is in question for some strange reason.  In order to accomplish the administrations objectives of creating as many American jobs as possible, I feel that this provision is mandatory.  So many telecommunications companies these days have sent their manufacturing, engineering, and support responsibilities off-shore, that they need a reason to bring it back to the USA.  For every installer, there are at least 2 people assembling the equipment.  Please make sure that this provision is included for God's sake!  They should also be encouraged to buy from an American company since support of the installed products will go on for years, as will new feature requests for engineering.

My two cents,
Jeff Dow


_________________________________________________________________
Rediscover Hotmail�: Get e-mail storage that grows with you. 
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Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T15:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Daya
Address:	Daya
	Atlanta, GA 30004

To be effective as a true stimulus to the American Economy, any investment under the BTOP program must benefit American Workers and American manufacturing organizations. As you are aware, most big name Broadband equipment vendors are heavily affiliated with European and Asian organizations and factories.

One company in particular, Zhone Technologies, is a TRUE AMERICAN company, with R&D and manufacturing facilities right here in the USA. Yes, I have a vested interest, I am a proud Zhone employee.

I hope you consider companies such as Zhone (There may be others, though not many) in your contract award decisions.
Thank you for your consideration.

Stimulus

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

To whom it may concern,
 
I would like to encourage the administrators of the 2009 stimulus
package for broadband funds ensure that this money be utilized to
sustain and create jobs in America. We need to be very judicious and
understand that money to American vendors for broadband equipment could
very well create jobs overseas, particular in Asia. Please, lets all do
our homework and fully utilize our friends and neighbors tax dollars for
the original intent of creating jobs for just those aforementioned, our
friends and neighbors.
 
Thanks,
Mark
 
Mark Machen
VP - Retail Operations
General Manager - Midland/Odessa
Ofc. 432.272.3036
Fax. 432.272.3099
e-mail - mark.machen@grandecom.com

NTIA-RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Please find attached Filling Comments on Section 6001 of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  These comments are being filed
on behalf of Enhanced Telecommunications Corp.
 
Kristy Szabo
On Behalf of Enhanced Telecommunications Corp. 
605-995-1786

Attachments

ETC - NTIA-RUS Rules Comments 4 13 09.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tarkus Michael Murphy
Email:	tarkus@ripco.com
Address:	110 Grove
	Canandaigua, NY 14424

The possibility that even remote households in a rural community could be connected to broadband services became possible as a result of the emergence of Fourth Generation Wireless technologies. High speed networks to remote locations cannot happen without the buildout of "open access" fiber/wireless networks. While I might expect that "the Stimulus" would be helpful for the development of better infrastructure, I am also concerned that the current RUS and FCC regulations may not allow the full potential of new businesses and new technologies to enter the market. In order to develop "new" infrastructure. Incumbent service providers (existing telecommunications companies, cable companies, cellular companies, Internet companies, etc.) should not be favored over providers if the new providers can extend service into underserved markets. Any completion for new infrastructure should be offered to the greatest number of providers on a competitive basis.

This letter distinguishes rural communities and urban communities for two reasons. Urban communities are more likely to have a greater number of commercial broadband choices available in which affordable broadband can be delivered. Urban communities are also more densely populated than rural communities. In many cases, the lower density of the rural communities has resulted in a much different digital divide than the kind experienced in urban communities. In both cases, the lack of household income may be a factor.

One significant problem is the definition of broadband as 200 kbps. The FCC and Broadband Acts may have made some inroads to create better mapping of available broadband service with tiered mapping; however, the most recent FCC map counts an area "served" if a zip code has more than one or more service provides. Service may be available from a variety of providers such as an incumbent local exchange carrier, cable company, wireless provider, cellular providers and satellite providers. Despite an impressive array of company names in a given community, rural users may have limited choices within communities described as "served" by multiple parties.

Buildout of a truly "open access" network will require some combination of high speed fiber, wireless and other technologies in order to reach the most possible households. If the playing field is limited to funding a few incumbent companies per region, new growth is not likely to result. Incumbents should not be afforded the luxury of claiming "service" in a community unless they can show that broadband is available to all members of their community. For example, this region (Western NY) has some of the fastest fiber optic, high speed networks (like National Lambda Rail), but nearby rural areas may have limited choices beyond dial up speeds. The imbalance with respect to broadband services is extremely pronounced due to geography and population density. Cellular coverage ranges from high speed data to voice quality.

Recently, the FCC has made minor steps to allow for the use of new wireless technologies in spectrum outside of the spectrum being developed by major cellular providers. It should be expected that cellular providers will increase service improvement in markets where they already provide service. Expansion into rural markets is less likely to happen in the short term. FCC regulations should continue to encourage new spectrum development for base stations well in excess of 1 Watt, once it can be demonstrated that the increased power will not interfere with transmissions within the existing spectrum. Some systems will benefit from greater base station ranges and those systems can carry subscribers to remote traditional and cellular data networks. More creative spectrum use and higher power requirements for base stations will allow for development in markets that traditional infrastructure has not served.

Little has been done to determine the demand or price sensitivity to new services in rural communities. This is not the sole responsibility of the FCC, but the potential for customer demand, not provider presence, should define service. Traditional carriers forecast customer demand based on usage statistics. Rural communities have been historically underserved, largely because of population density. The problem with usage statistics in an underserved community is that usage demand does not reflect actual demand. Broadband usage in rural communities is low, because broadband is not available, unreliable, or too expensive. Usage statistics will not reflect desire or price sensitivity for services that are not available. The USDA should work with State agencies servicing rural communities to better forecast the potential for user demand, to make up for the lack of actual usage statistics.

In the case of rural communities, the lack of infrastructure must be addressed in addition to the lack of household income. Traditional services available to urban communities via copper, fiber, co-axial and even cellular are simply not at the disposal of some rural communities. Urban choices for broadband and voice are driven by elastic prices and a range of choices. Rural communities may lack a range of choices, but may be sufficiently familiar with services in urban areas to expect elastic prices and better service (even before those services are available).

The beauty of an "open access" and interoperable network is that the focus of service delivery is on the customer, not the carrier. Without regulatory changes, "the Stimulus" may end up in the position of building the best 2000 era infrastructure by 2010. Deeper thought about long needed regulatory change may help ensure that the best 2020 era infrastructure is build by 2010.

Stimulus

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators,

As part of the Telecommunications industry here in the U.S., let me ask that we carefully consider the use of the stimulus dollars being considered for our struggling industry.   While the inflow of dollars will be greatly appreciated, and will obviously help generate more orders and therefore jobs here in the U.S., it would be mindful to make sure that the flow of funds does NOT flow right back out and over to foreign companies/interests.

Zhone Technologies, Inc. is one of the very few companies that still relies on our own technologies and workforce to produce a leading edge product.  And we have been extremely successful at that.  So let's make sure that those that have worked so hard receive their due rewards and are not left on the sidelines as the dollars slip out of our hands and into someone's that is not so deserving.

Thanks for your time.



Michael E. Shelton

Corporate Facilities Manager

Zhone Technologies, Inc.





Michael E. Shelton

Zhone Technologies, Inc.

Corporate Facilities Manager

Head of Security

(O) 510.777.7368

(F) 510.777.7488

Attachments

NTIA-RUS Comments: Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Filing comments in the above referenced docket.


*******************************************
     James Groft, CEO
             Northern Valley Communications
     (605) 725-1000
*******************************************

Attachments

NTIA-RUS Rules Comments 4.9.09.pdf

Keep Broadband Stimulus Jobs in America

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus
bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs. Here
are some points that may help you decide in favor of this bill.

Almost all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their
manufacturing to Asia

If you do not require accounting of the American labor content in
broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on
American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as
half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs
overseas.

As a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, and
who may be out of a job if our government do no implement the Buy
American provision, I write to urge you to include credible, strong
enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your
programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it
all, American jobs creation!

Thank you.


Alberto Marquez

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Nancy Adams
Law firm:	Pine Mountain Settlement School
Email:	director@pinemountainsettlementschool.com
Address:	36 Highway 510
	Bledsoe, KY 40810

Pine Mountain Settlement School is located in southeast Kentucky. There is no general access here to broadband Internet service. Settlement School staff have tried for 18 months to work with ConnectKentucky, the local telephone company, and independent suppliers of broadband infrastructure to bring affordable service to our area. We have not been successful. In an already underserved area, we are falling further and further behind. We paid for one satellite to serve four computers in the office. But, for the rest of the campus and the area, broadband service is prohibitably expensive.
Nearly 1,000 people live in our area on the north side of Pine Mountain. More than 3,000 people come to the Settlement School for residential (multi-day) visits annually.
To conduct business or to be an informed citizen, broadband is essential. Coal miners here supply the fuel for power plants that provide electricity to many areas of the country, Yet, they and their families, who sacrifice so much, are denied affordable access to broadband Internet.
We need help. Thefederal stimulus money could go a long way toward helping citizens here be on equal footing with others in urban areas.

BUY AMERICAN

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Please put some restrictions on equipment purchased with Stimulus monies
not made  in America.  Have each recipient file why they did not but
American before they can use this money.

 

KISS= Keep It Sweet and Simple,  If the equipment that the company needs
is not manufactured in American then let them purchase wherever they
want.

 

Thanks and Have a Great Week. 

 

 

A.J. Passarella

General Manager

Loretto Telephone Company, Inc.
136 South Main Street
Loretto, Tennessee 38469
________________________________


Phone  931-853-4351 x112

Fax      931-853-4329

Email   ajap@LorettoTel.com

Attachments

image001.gif

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Geoff Daily
Email:	geoffdaily@gmail.com
Address:	901 6th St SW #817
	Washington, DC 20024

BTOP Fast-Track Partial Loan Guarantee Proposal

The Rural Fiber Alliance represents rural fiber deployers and their supporters who believe that all Americans deserve equal access to the global gold standard of broadband: full fiber networks. RFA members are pragmatic practitioners focused on creating self-sustaining networks that strive to maximize the impact of every dollar spent on deployment, be it public money or private.

The biggest obstacle to laying fiber to every last building in rural America today is NOT the economic viability of rural fiber or project sustainability. It is the lack of sufficient private capital, a reality exasperated by the current credit crunch. In fact many RFA members have rural fiber projects that would already have been funded and deployingif it weren’t for the private capital markets seizing up in the fall of 2008.

To that end, the RFA has developed the following proposal to transform a reasonable portion of the BTOP budget at RUS and NTIA into fast-track partial loan guarantees that can both free up billions in private capital and do so in a matter of weeks.

Details of the program are attached to this comment as a Word doc.

Attachments

RFA_ BTOP Fast-Track Partial Loan Guarantee Proposal(3).doc

Help American Money stay in America - Buy American!

2009-04-13T16:05:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS 
administrators:

In today's economic climate, it's important that American tax payer money go support to recovery of the greatest nation in the world...the United States of America. But, i'm fearful there is a lack of support for the "Buy American" policy in Washington and on broadband stimulus proposals.

As you may be aware, very few US-based Telecommunication manufacturers actually manufacture their products in the US. Thus, money paid by American Telephone companies to American manufacturers actually goes to supporting jobs overseas...not here in America.

I strongly encourage you to place a premium on the "Buy American" clause in broadband stimulus proposals. This will ensure American funds actually go to American companies supporting jobs...here in America.

Please do not send my taxpayer money overseas!

Jason Cobb

_________________________________________________________________
Rediscover Hotmail�: Get e-mail storage that grows with you. 
http://windowslive.com/RediscoverHotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Rediscover_Storage1_042009

Broadband Stimulus Package

2009-04-13T15:04:00Z


Dear RUS and NTIA Administrators:


I am writing because I understand there is some question about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision 
to the broadband stimulus programs.

A large majority of broadband equipment providers OEM equipment from manufacturers in Asia and India. Please include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the 
implementation of the broadband stimulus programs. Otherwise, as much half of the $7.2 billion of the broadband funds could go offshore. 

I have been a software developer for over 20 years. I have survived dozens of layouts and numerous salary cuts as a result of the outsourcing of software development programs to India and Asia. The purpose of the broadband grant is to not only provide widespread broadband services, but to also stimulate economic growth and create jobs for the American workforce; not the Asian workforce. 

I write to urge you to include
the stipulation in the broadband stimulus proposal that broadband
equipment suppliers must require the accounting of American labor
content. Please help to keep my job in America.


 
Thank 
you.

Katherine C. Wilson
Sr. Software Engineer

broadband stimulus funds - "Buy American"

2009-04-13T15:04:00Z

It is important to assure broadband stimulus funds are used to stimuate the United States economy, not only by funding to improve broadband access, but also by making sure those funds are actually spent on equipment supplied and manufactured in the USA.  This will help US-based telecommunication manufacturing companies and employees of those companies - both of which are US taxpayers.  Please support and apply the "Buy American" provision and keep the taxpayer funded broadband stimulus dollars in the United States.

Regards,

Jeffrey Thorpe

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

_________________________________________________________________
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http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_allup_1a_explore_042009

Broadband Stimulus

2009-04-13T15:04:00Z

US-based companies have pioneered many innovations in the data
communications equipment market over the past 40 years, from dial modem
technologies of the 70s and 80s to the Broadband technologies available
today.   I am proud to work for one of these companies and to have
contributed to some of the technological advancements during this period.

Throughout my career, I have watched the number of US-based data
communications equipment companies decline while several large European and
Asian data communications equipment companies have grown.  Many US companies
failed to survive the Tech Crash at the turn of the century.  Many companies
were absorbed by competitors during the period of consolidation that
followed the Tech Crash.  Some US companies have been acquired by or merged
with European or Asian competitors.   Today, only a handful of US-based data
communications equipment companies remain.

In many countries outside of the US, Broadband technology deployment has
been a strategic investment strongly supported by the local Government.   In
these countries, Broadband was "political".  In China, the government went a
step further and provided funding directly to China-based data
communications equipment vendors.  This enabled them to increase their
investment in R&D, subsidize operating losses as they bought their way into
the market, and offer extended payment terms to their customers.  As a
result, several Chinese data comm equipment vendors have experienced
incredible growth, have generated an incredible number of China-based
engineering and manufacturing jobs, and have made in increasingly difficult
for non-Asian data comm vendors to compete with them.

The fact remains that we DO still have strong, innovative, and globally
competitive data communications companies here in the US.  However, most of
us are currently struggling to survive due to the soft global economy.

Funding for Broadband projects provided by Stimulus bill will provide a
much-needed boost for US-based data communications companies.  It is the
right program at the right time for companies like the one I work for.   In
addition to the long term economic benefits that will be realized by the
communities and rural areas that receive improved data communications
infrastructure and services, many US jobs will be created and protected in
the near term as well.  This in turn will help feed the overall economy,
since employed Americans spend more money in America on other items.

To maximize these near term economic benefits for the US, it is critical
that the Broadband Stimulus funds be allocated to projects that will use
data communications equipment that is designed and built right here in the
USA.   The "Buy American" provision of the bill must be strongly enforced.
The only way to fully leverage the stimulus dollars is to keep them in the
US.

I strongly recommend that the US Labor Content be used as one of the key
decision criteria for awarding dollars to Broadband Stimulus Projects.

Best Regards,

Keith Nauman
MSEE

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Peter J. Calderon
Email:	peter.calderon@verizon.net
Address:	1807 Marsh Wren Way
	Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

I understand that the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs is in this bill.
Also, nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to Asia

If you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.

As a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I write to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.

Thank you.
Peter J. Calderon

Broadband Stimulus Package

2009-04-13T15:04:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS Administrators:
�
We�have read some things that make it appear that there is some�uncertainty about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs and we're wondering why?� Why would there be a program to create jobs and improve the US economy that allowed as much as $4B to go offshore, mostly to Asia?� We understand that the world economy is poor but at the same time we feel strongly that American dollars need to be used to create jobs for Americans.
�
Since I am employed in the manufacture and service�of broadband equipment we are aware that nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to Asia.��If you do not require that the equipment purchased via the�broadband stimulus grant proposals�be built in America,�as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.���

Astaxpayers who will spend many years paying our part of�the bill for all this, we write to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.� The main point of all of these actions must add up to creation of�American jobs!
�
Thank you.
�
Ed & Nancy Plants

Federal stimulus spending

2009-04-13T15:04:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

While I understand that there may be questions about certain provisions
in the stimulus legislation related to eligible suppliers, I want to
encourage you to consider the intent of the stimulus bill.  To the
greatest extent possible, stimulus dollars should support domestic
manufacturers.  There should be full transparency in auditing and
reporting of how stimulus dollars are spent and such reporting should
include details related to product content origin and labor origin.  As
a taxpayer and life-long professional in the field of telecommunications
infrastructure, I can tell you that supporting our domestic
manufacturers is critical to assuring that we maintain our ability to
protect the integrity of our communications infrastructure and the
ability to expand the infrastructure without depending on products or
services from distant and potentially unreliable suppliers.

Regards, Matt Korbeck

Tempe AZ

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Laura Ponrder
Address:	1603 Smith Creek Road
	Mars Hill, NC 28754

First priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and cooperatives.

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks -- especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection" electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized, Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Comments on the US Broadband Stimulus Package - Mandate a "Buy American" Policy -- PLEASE!

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z


Dear Administrators,



The US Broadband Stimulus Package offers a significant potential to increase the penetration of broadband technologies into rural America , offering the promise of higher speed internet access, and enriching the lives of these communities by providing them equal access to lower cost educational and entertainment services. An injection of capital to the service providers struggling to offer equal access to the rural subscriber base will certainly stimulate growth and new jobs in the service sector of this business.



But it can do so much more!




For every dollar spent by service providers in the telecommunications sector, more than 60% of it is spent on the acquisition of telecommunications equipment. Unfortunately, since the decline in the telecom industry began in 2000, the majority of telecommunications equipment is now manufactured outside of the US . Therefore, unless a strict "Buy American" policy is in place to ensure that monies granted to the broadband service providers are used to purchase equipment that is substantially and significantly designed and built in the USA , then more than $4B of the stimulus package will be used to create jobs outside of the US . Oversight and safeguards are required to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent to stimulate job growth here in the USA.





The stimulus package offers the opportunity to reverse the trend of more than 8-years of ever declining job opportunities and innovation in the telecommunications engineering and manufacturing sectors here in the US . Outsourcing of software development to India , and manufacturing to Asia and South America, continues to erode existing US jobs and limits the opportunities for new job creation in the telecommunications industry in the USA .



To maximize the benefits of the US Broadband Stimulus Package to OUR economy and to invigorate the creation of new jobs in the engineering, design and manufacturing sectors here in the USA, we must do more than simply inject capital for the purchase of new broadband telecommunications equipment ... we must ensure that the stimulus money is used to buy equipment and services that are designed, built and supported by people here in the USA. To achieve this, grant monies from the stimulus package should only be extended to those providers and projects that can demonstrate that it will be used in the purchase of equipment that is "Built in the USA ".



In closing, I want to thank the Administration for giving me the opportunity to comment on the proposed US Broadband Stimulus Package. I am excited about the possibilities that this stimulus package offers us to truly invigorate the penetration of broadband services in the US , particularly to the rural areas of our large country. However, as a taxpayer funding this initiative, I want to ensure that my contributions are spend wisely, and have the maximum impact to drive new jobs here in the US. This means that the necessary oversights must be in place to ensure that the money is spent to acquire equipment and services that are designed, manufactured, and supported by people working in the USA .



Thank you,



Allan Peel

Public comments on the 'broadband infrastructure project'

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

Please help keep jobs in the United States of America by not sending our tax dollars overseas. You can do this by requiring an accounting of the American labor content in the broadband stimulus program and by enforcing the Buy American provision in the bill.

As you probably know, most broadband equipment suppliers have their manufacturing overseas. Without enforcement of the Buy American provisions in these programs, it seems likely that most of the money will be sent overseas and will not be in the paychecks of American workers.


Thank you for your help.

James Hughes
514 Lakewood Dr.
Oldsmar, Fl 34677

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jay
Email:	barkeyja@oplin.org
Address:	157 High Street
	Peebles, OH 45679

Adams County in Ohio has very little high speed access that is either available or affordable. Please allow monies to be spent for our county coalition that is trying to not only bring access to the county but training to see how Internet access can benefit residents, how to use software packages after obtaining access and a help desk to help residents fix problems that they might encounter when setting up or using this service.

Broadband Stimulus Bill

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Please allow me to comment on the dire employment situation we Americans
are facing.

I am a Manufacturing Engineer for Zhone Technologies, Inc., located in
Largo,Florida.   We manufacture leading edge digital access, and
communications equipment.  We are one of a dwindling number of
electronics firms that manufacture in the United States, because so many
companies choose to manufacture overseas.  However, we have proven that
American workers can still compete, and that American technology is
still viable.

Regarding the Stimulus Package, which has provisions for $7.2B to expand
broadband, it is estimated that 60% of broadband infrastructure projects
will go to equipment vendors like us.  However, many manufacturers build
their products in Asia. While I don't believe in outright protectionism,
I do feel that the investment dollars from this stimulus bill should be
targeted to promote the employment of Americans, and not create more
jobs for Asians.

Americans depend on their jobs for food, clothing, shelter, provisions,
and something other workers don't have to worry about, health care!

Please help Americans, by influencing the Departments of Commerce and
Agriculture to apply the Buy America provision, and avoid sending half
the $7.2B in broadband stimulus funds to support jobs in Asia.

Thank you very much.

Kenneth Daniels
Manufacturing Engineer
Zhone Technologies, Inc.
Largo, Florida

Attachments

kdaniels.vcf

Submission of Public Comments - BTOP

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Please find comments on the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program on
behalf of Oakland County, Michigan attached.



Thank you for your consideration,



Tammi Shepherd

Project Manager



Implementation Services

Information Technology

Oakland County

1200 N Telegraph, Building 49 West

Pontiac, Michigan 48341

248.858.4922

  shepherdt@oakgov.com

Attachments

Oakland County Michigan - BTOP Comments.doc

Stimulus Package - NO to taking manufacturing jobs offshore

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Please don't let the Stimulus Package send manufacturing jobs off shore.

I am the Director of Production and Manufacturing Engineering of Zhone Technologies, Inc., in Largo,Florida. We manufacture broadband internet equipment. We are one of the few remaining electronic manufacturing companies in the US. We have remained competitive through the years, and employ 140 assemblers, technicians, and engineers in Largo.

As you know, the Stimulus Package has provisions for $7.2B for expanding broadband internet.

It is estimated that 60% of the costs of broadband infrastructure projects will go to equipment vendors like us. Since many manufacturers have outsourced their manufacturing to companies in Asia, failure to apply the Buy America provision could easily result in as much as $4 billion out of the total $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds going directly to sustain and create jobs in Asia.

We need those jobs here...in Largo....helping our tax base....providing for employment....helping our people.

Can you help please, by influencing the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to apply the Buy America provision, and avoid sending half the $7.2B in broadband stimulus funds to support jobs in Asia.

Thank you very much.

Patti Carter

Director of Production & Manufacturing Engineering

Zhone Technologies, Inc.

Fwd: Correspondence list

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z


>>> "Michael Favors"  4/9/2009 4:09:28 PM >>>
I am sending this email to join the correspondence list for the

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).



Thank you.



Michael

Michael Favors | Project Manager/Engineer

Nushagak Cooperative | P.O.Box 350 | Dillingham, AK 99576

907.842.5251 | Toll Free: 800.478.5296 | FX: 907.842.2780

www.nushtel.com

Help to Keep Broadband Stimulus here in the USA!

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus
bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs

nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their
manufacturing to Asia

if you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband
stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor
content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in
broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.

as a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I write
to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American
provisions in the implementation of your programs.  Otherwise this may
substantially miss the main point of it all, American jobs creation!

Thank you.

Fwd: BTOP Comments

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z


>>> "Charles Walters"  4/13/2009 6:56:56 AM
>>>
I submitted comments yesterday on behalf of Walters & Associates, Inc.
at 7:01 p.m.  However, I do not see my comments posted on the website.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated.  I am attaching another copy of
my submission.

Charles E. Walters, ASA

Attachments

Walters & Associates BroadbandComments.pdf

Fwd: Public comment formatting

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z


>>> Larry Press  4/11/2009 10:37:45 AM >>>
I just submitted a BTOP comment, but it appears that the line feeds
between paragraphs have been deleted.  Is there a way for me to edit
them back in?

Larry Press

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mike Zhang
Address:	1318 Beacon Street, #15
	Brookline, MA 02446

Given the limited date on biological effects due to increased rf radiation, this issue should be further examined and considered for all deployments.

Please consider new rf exposure standards based on the BioIntiative Report (publ. 08/07)

According to a study by the European Fiber to the Home Council, the CO2 emissions of the information and communications technology industry(ICT)exceeds that of the entire aviation industry. Most of these emissions are caused indirectly through the electricity produced to power the equipment and keep it cool. Next-generation fiber optic networks that carry exponentially more data than the old copper networks and are ten times more energy efficient. This is due to the fact that the loss of signal in optical fiber is less than in copper wire, which means lower-power transmitters can be used instead of the high-voltage electrical transmitters needed to amplify the signal in copper wires.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	as above
Email:	amybookmobile@gmail.com
Address:	PO Box 310
	Burnsville, NC 28714

Please consider allocating funds to Yancey County. As a Tier One area our local economy is in deep trouble. I would like to see the many gifted youth in our area have local options for their talents. The career options opened with broadband acccess could go a long way to stopping the current "brain drain". As the Bookmobile Librarian I have been asking my patrons about their internet access and have found that roughly 3/4 of them do not have high speed access. Please do not leave us behind.

important request

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

The stimulus bill goal should be in sustaining and creating American jobs on US soil, not offshore

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Please help keep jobs here in the US. 
I am employed at Zhone Technologies, Inc., in Largo,
Florida. Please make sure that most of the stimulus 
package helps keep people like me employed instead
of supporting other countries.

We manufacture broadband internet equipment.  We are one of the few
remaining electronic manufacturing companies in the US.  We have
remained competitive through the years, and employ 140 assemblers,
technicians, and engineers in Largo.

As you know, the Stimulus Package has provisions for $7.2B for expanding
broadband internet.

It is estimated that 60% of the costs of broadband infrastructure
projects will go to equipment vendors like us.  Since many manufacturers
have off shored their manufacturing to Asia, failure to apply 
the Buy America provision could easily result in as much as $4 billion 
out of the total $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds going directly
to sustain and create jobs in Asia.

We need to keep those jobs here...in Largo....helping our tax base....
providing for employment....helping our people, not foreign countries.

Can you help please, by influencing the Departments of Commerce and
Agriculture to apply the Buy America provision,  and avoid sending half
the $7.2B in broadband stimulus funds to support jobs in foreign countries.

Thank you,

John Babson
Zhone Technologies, Inc.



_________________________________________________________________
Quick access to your favorite MSN content and Windows Live with Internet Explorer 8. 
http://ie8.msn.com/microsoft/internet-explorer-8/en-us/ie8.aspx?ocid=B037MSN55C0701A

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jerry Hardt
Email:	jhardt@insightbb.com
Address:	2803 Timber Hills Rd.
	Louisville, KY 40214

Please concentrate funding on underserved communities. I used to live in such an area and even today I know of no public place in the whole county where wireless is available, for example, making it hard to hold a business meeting. These areas should be given priority over, say, rebuilding existing networks.

Buy American

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:



I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to Asia if you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.  As a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I write to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it all, American jobs creation!



Please take this opportunity to increase the number of citizens having access to broadband rather than simply giving it to the large companies.  Consider providing money to companies who have been loyal to the small towns and have been in business for years.



Thank you.





Gina Martin

NTIA and RUS broadband funding

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:

As a concerned taxpayer, I would like to voice my support to make sure that
the "Buy American" clause is attached to the money currently being allocated
for broadband programs in the US.  As someone involved in the Telecom
service provider business, it alarms me to see that this money could be
spent without consideration for the handful of Telecom equipment and outside
plant products providers that struggle to remain on-shore US companies.  It
is no accident that so many companies in this space choose to relocate all,
or part, of their operations off shore.  If this money is not limited to the
companies who design, manufacture, and support their products domestically,
it is a sign to me that the US government is endorsing the trend to
outsource and off-shore.

if you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband
stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor
content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in
broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas.  As a taxpayer,
knowing that I am one of those who will pay the taxes to pay for this, I
would like to reiterate my urging of your group to include the Buy American
provisions in the implementation of your programs.  If not, this bill will
simply represent a wealth transfer from US taxpayers to foreign employers; I
can't imagine this is the intent of the government with this massive amount
of money.

Thank you,

Scott Davis

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Magdalena Hoersch
Email:	mzhou_us@yahoo.com
Address:	127 Brattle Street
	Arlington, MA 02474

Dear Sir or Madam,

Please promote broadband access solely through use of fiber optic cables and other specially designed communication cables. It is important that we spend this money only on safe and sustainable broadband access.

I ask that you not promote broadband access using wireless technology. Detrimental biological effects, distinct from tissue heating effects, have been extensively documented in studies at a range of different frequencies and at levels below the current United States safety standard.(1) I do not wish to be involuntarily exposed to a dangerous pollutant when safe alternatives exist.

High frequency signals on power lines make people ill. Milham and Morgan found a dose-response relationship between high frequencies present on building wiring and cancer.(2) Removing high frequencies on building wiring has improved MS symptoms, blood sugar levels, asthma, sleep quality, teacher health, headaches, ADD, and numerous other health problems.(3, 4, 5) Technical papers provide a solid electrical and biomolecular basis for these effects. A recent paper by Ozen, showed that transients induce much stronger current density levels in the human body than does the powerline 60Hz signal.(6) Another technical paper discusses the authors’ findings that high frequency communication signals on power lines also induce much stronger electrical currents in the human body than a low frequency signal of the same strength.(7) The induced currents disturb normal intercellular communications. This causes harmful short-term and long-term effects.

The health risks associated with both wireless broadband and broadband over power lines make them dangerous and undesirable technologies to promote. Many other nations already have more rigorous safety standards than does the US. European countries are in the process of re-examining and reducing levels of exposure to transmitted radio and microwave frequencies due to the public health risk they pose. A recent review of the scientific literature on cell phone radiation points out that 68% of studies have found one or more biological effects from exposure levels previously deemed “safe.”(8) This radiation is now being associated with attention deficit disorder, autism, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy, as well as asthma, diabetes, malignant melanoma, breast cancer, and other illnesses which have become increasingly more common. In light of this, increasing our exposure at this time does not make sense. Further, exposure to these dangerous technologies would be involuntary and universal for large segments of our population. This is unethical, and foolish, since it would lead to increased illness and larger medical bills for our already overburdened population.

Please only support access to broadband on fiber optic cables and on specially designed communications cables. Fiber optic cables are both particularly energy efficient and safe because they don't radiate due to the way they work.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Magdalena Hoersch

References:
1. Cherry, N. 2000 Criticism of the Health Assessment in the ICNIRP Guidelines for Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation (100 kHz- 300 GHz)

2. Milham S, Morgan L. 2008 A New Electromagnetic Exposure Metric: High Frequency Voltage Transients Associated With Increased Cancer Incidence in Teachers in a California School. American Journal of Industrial Medicine.

3. Havas M, Olstad A. 2008. Power quality affects teacher wellbeing and student behavior in three Minnesota Schools, Science of the Total Environment, July.

4. Havas M. 2006. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: biological effects of dirty electricity with emphasis on diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Electromagnetic Biology Medicine 25(4):259-68.

5. Havas M. 2008. Dirty Electricity Elevates Blood Sugar Among Electrically Sensitive Diabetics and May Explain Brittle Diabetes. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 27:135-146.

6. Ozen, S. 2007. Low-frequency Transient Electric and Magnetic Fields Coupling to Child Body, Radiation Protection Dosimetry (2007), pp. 1–6.

7. Vignati, M. and L. Giuliani, 1997. Radiofrequency exposure near high-voltage lines. Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 6):1569-1573 (1997)

8. A. Huss et al., "Source of Funding and Results of Studies of Health Effects of Mobile Phone Use: Systematic Review of Experimental Studies", Environmental Health Perspectives, 115(1): 1-4, 2007. http://www.ehponline.org/members/2006/9149/9149.pdf.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tom Reid
Law firm:	Reid Consulting Group LLC
Email:	Tom@ReidConsultingGroup.com
Address:	4 Elizabeth Drive
	Athens, OH 45701

Please see attached document entitled: SOHCN Comments to NTIA 13 April 2009

Attachments

SOHCN Comments to NTIA 13 April 2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Don S. Samuelson
Law firm:	Don S. Samuelson Associates
Attorney:	Don S. Samuelson
Email:	DSSA310@aol.com
Address:	Don S. Samuelson
	1745 Broadband Lane
	Lake Forest, IL 60045

Supplemental Comment to NTIA
On Behalf of DSSA Strategies
Don S. Samuelson, President
847-420-1732, DSSA310@aol.com

This is a supplemental comment to complement the earlier comments I made on specific questions set out by NTIA in the Federal Register, Vol. 74, No.47/Thursday, March 12, 2009/Notices. It is a comment on question #15, “other issues that NTIA should consider in creating BTOP within the confines of the statutory structure established by the Recovery Act.” I hope it can prompt additional commentary and discussion.

15 The purposes of the stimulus programs were to create jobs in the short run, and to provide structural investments that will have positive benefits on the U.S. economy in the long run. The degree to which these individual applications advance these two overarching objectives of the stimulus program needs to be incorporated into the evaluation of applications for support to both NTIA and RUS.

There needs to be a common denominator by which to review the various funding proposals to be reviewed by NTIA. They are going to involve various program purposes, technologies, size and geographical area of request. A standardized evaluation methodology needs to be developed – like the SAT and LSAT tests which were developed to provide a standard measurement that could be used to evaluated applicants from colleges and law schools, with very different competitive structures in high schools and colleges and grade definitions.

One element of a standardized evaluation system would be to consider would be to make determinations on the basis of dollars requested (with an appropriate adjustment for the actual net costs to the government) for loan guarantees, loans and grants. A second would be the nature, number of immediate and indirect jobs that will be created by the proposed project over various time horizons up to September, 2010 and for the two subsequent years. The third would be to describe the nature of the “positive externalities” that are intended to result from the funding of the application and a reasonable explanation to support those estimates of future benefits.

Attachments

April 12 - NTIA Comments by DSS.doc

Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
Docket No. 090309298-9299-01
Notice: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Broadband Initiatives
AGENCIES: National Telecommunications and Information Administration,
U.S. Department of Commerce, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture.


Executive Summary

I am filing these comments as a director and one of the founding
members of the Virginia Internet Service Providers Alliance (VISPA)
and as President of Visual Link Internet, an ISP and Wireless
Broadband Internet Service Provider delivering Internet services
since 1994 to regions of Virginia and West Virginia, with a clear
understanding of both International and US Internet related
technology, and policy.

Visual Link, founded 1994 in Winchester, Virginia, is a leader in
developing and deploying advanced Internet services.  Visual Link
consists of three divisions: Visual Link Internet, Cobalt Racks and
WorldAirWaves.  Together these three companies make up a full
spectrum of Internet services that allow Visual Link to offer
innovative solutions ranging from residential to corporate to
government services and solutions. Visual Link  provides Internet
related services to over 40 countries throughout the world, with its
main office located in Winchester, Virginia, and subsidiary offices
in Canada and Russia.

Virginia Internet Service Provider Alliance was founded in 1995 by
several small ISPs who were delivering Internet in rural areas of
Virginia in the early 90s. Passage of the Telecommunications Act of
1996 encouraged small service providers such as members of VISPA to
deliver broadband Internet service to rural areas. These hopes were
fueled by the belief that there would be fair and easy access to
networks, and that the playing field would be leveled.  It was
strongly believed that increased competition would speed up
deployment of broadband networks.  Along with the burst of the
communication bubble in the late 90s came a never-ending effort by
the incumbents to kill the competition.  VISPA has been reduced to a
few smaller providers who, against all odds, have managed to stay in
business to fight the cause of delivering high-speed Internet service
to rural Virginia.  VISPAs surviving members share the following
attributes, which make us unique in this environment:

. We have deep-rooted ties to our respective local communities;

. We are technology savvy;

. We provide local jobs;

. We know how to design, operate and maintain efficient networks;

. We know how to stretch every dollar to run a business;

. We know what our communities need;

. We provide unique services;

. Often we are first to deploy new, more efficient technologies;

. We know how to adjust to market conditions quickly;

. We have a long history in this business;

. We have delivered high quality services to small markets that were
initially ignored by incumbents.

Over the years we have seen many changes in this industry.  Most
changes were in favor of the large incumbents as they were promising
delivery of broadband services to every home and business in
America.  Their heavy lobbying to remove competition finally
succeeded in 2003.  Since then, there is almost zero inter-modal
competition across the country, and to say broadband deployment is
inadequate is an understatement.  We are seeing statistics that show
that the US is slipping further down the scale of developed nations
in broadband deployment.

There is strong evidence in countries such as Japan and Korea, with
the largest deployment of broadband services in the world, that
adoption and quick proliferation of such services directly relates to
changes in rules governing their telecommunication industry.  In
Japan, increased competition and reduced cost has fueled the growth
of service providers and their markets.  According to the Japanese
Ministry of Telecommunications, in 1997 there were 4796 competitive
telecom carriers in Japan.  In February 2008, Japan had 14441
competitive telecom carriers.  As of March 2007, 95% of the Japanese
population had access to broadband services and super high-speed
service (FTTH) was available in 84% of the market.  Their target is
to have 100% coverage in broadband and 90% coverage in FTTH by 2010,
only a year from now!  Competitive telecom carriers provided over 68%
of these lines.

We are not aware of any similar statistics for the US for the same
period.  For the period from 2000 through 2009, we are certainly
aware of the disappearance of competition, market shrinkage, and
limited availability of broadband services to US businesses and the
US population.  I attended the public hearings held March 16 through
24th, 2009, by NTIA.  The public meetings clearly showed that the
cable industry, state governments and the incumbent telcos all
believe that their groups should receive the primary amount of
broadband stimulus funding.  We must rise above this type of
mentality and focus on how to bring the US back to being Number One
in the world, through fresh ideas and plans that do not favor any one
state or industry.  We must realize that the current system and
policies have failed.  We must work together with the primary goal of
affordable universal broadband service with higher speeds and lower
cost than any country in the world.

With broadband being crucial for economic development, commerce and
global competition, as important as the stimulus money is for the
creation of jobs, we believe that far more economic benefits will be
realized if we create a truly open competitive telecommunications
market in the US.  In the 21st century, we are witnessing a shift
from traditional networks to all IP based networks.  As we are
experiencing this shift, we need to recognize that the rules
regulating this industry are outdated and need to be adjusted for the
21st century realities.

One of the goals of the recent Broadband Stimulus Act is to establish
a National Broadband Policy.  In order to establish such a policy we
need to have a continuing, open and frank discussion of regulations
in our industry.  I find it a disgrace that the United States is
ranked as 14th in the world in average download speed, 15th in the
world in broadband penetration, and 18th in the world in price per
megabit per second download speed.  There really is no excuse for
this.  For instance, the actual cost of Internet bandwidth in the US
before adding transport costs are lower than any other country in the
world.  The current polices and predatory pricing for IP transport
has lead to many areas of the US being unserviceable for broadband
Internet due to the added cost of bandwidth transport.  This has also
led to lower Internet speeds and the high cost of broadband services
compared to many other countries.

In order to solve this crisis we must change current policies and
develop new ones that will allow for the quick deployment of
non-profit carrier-neutral Internet backbone networks.  The current
problem as it relates to universal broadband service in the US has a
simple solution - if we can reduce the cost of Internet transport in
the US, then free enterprise will take over bringing the next
generation broadband services at affordable cost throughout the USA.

President Obama stated that the USA must "work towards true broadband
in every community in America through a combination of reform of the
Universal Service Fund, better use of the nation's wireless spectrum,
promotion of next-generation facilities, technologies and
applications, and America should lead the world in broadband
penetration and Internet access.

Here is a list of some of the first things we need to do:

. review the Interconnection Policy;

. review the Universal Service System;

. review the Tariff Policy;

. review the Net Neutrality Policy;

. promote facilities based competition;

. develop a nationwide right-of-way policy for carrier neutral
backbone providers similar to the nationwide cable franchise plans.

We believe that only the increased competition of truly open access
networks and a clear national broadband policy free of political
influence will propel deployment of broadband throughout the
US.  This process should be a continuing one. There will be many
issues, which will need to be addressed as the networks develop.

I thank you for the opportunity to voice opinions in this important
matter, and look forward to do my part in helping to make the US the
leader in broadband Internet access.



Sincerely,



Mark Bayliss
President, Visual Link Internet
Director, Virginia Internet Service Providers Association
2308 Middle Road,
Winchester, Virginia 22601




Who is Eligible?

We believe that the act establishes criteria on eligibility as quoted:

(e) To be eligible for a grant under the program, an applicant shall

(1)
(A) be a State or political subdivision thereof, the District of
Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States, an Indian
tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450(b)) or native Hawaiian organization;
(B) a nonprofit
(i) foundation,
(ii) corporation,
(iii) institution, or
(iv) association; or
(C) any other entity, including a broadband service or infrastructure
provider, that the Assistant Secretary finds by rule to be in the
public interest. In establishing such rule, the Assistant Secretary
shall to the extent practicable promote the purposes of this section
in a technologically neutral manner.

To this we will add one more critically important requirement:

To be eligible for a grant under the program, the applicant shall
build networks which are open and accessible for all lawful purposes,
make capacity available on a wholesale level to competing retail
service providers, and adhere to the principals of FCC Broadband
policy statement FCC-05-15 adopted on August 5, 2005.

Definition of Unserved and Underserved areas

If we look at the countries with the highest rate of penetration and
adoption of broadband in the world - such as Japan - it is clear that
the average price of 1 Mbps is directly related to adoption of
broadband.  For example, according to the Japanese Ministry of
Telecommunications, the average price of 100 Kbps in Japan in 2007
was $ 0.07 compared to the average price in the US of over $ 1.00 for
the same speed.

Based on this premise, we propose an approach in which the price of
available symmetrical bandwidth is directly related to the definition
of an unserved and underserved area. Therefore:

Unserved:

Is any area in which retail customers can obtain only a dial up or
satellite connection to the Internet?

Underserved:

Is any area in which tier 1 bandwidth cost of 1 Mbps is equal to or
greater then $100.00 Mbs including transport costs.



Definition of Broadband:

Title VI Section 2 of the Broadband Stimulus Act calls for the
development of a National Broadband Plan as quoted:

The national broadband plan required by this section shall seek to
ensure that all people of the United States have access to broadband
capability and shall establish benchmarks for meeting that goal.

As to the Definition of broadband their should be only one definition
for broadband since the Internet is and broadband applications are
global. The USA no longer the world's largest percentage of broadband
Internet users. With the majority of Broadband Internet users now
located out side of the USA in countries such as Japan, china, South
Korea, India and Europe. We have to look to the world's broadband
users for a definition of broadband. Since the true definition of
broadband has and always been based on the speed necessary to access
information that would be considered a broadband application. And the
broadband applications and their requirements always change to meet
the capability of the fastest growing and largest amount of broadband
users we must take a global approach. We should take the ADV
broadband download speeds from the top 10 broadband countries and use
this to set our definition of broadband speeds.



Toward these goals, In some areas of the country it is possible to
obtain tier 1 bandwidth for as low as $18.50 per meg, So the goal of
this program should be to reduce the cost per Mbps for tier 1
bandwidth including transport costs to provide affordable bandwidth
costs to the entire country.

Non-Discrimination and Interconnection Obligations

This section and how it is defined is probably the single most
important consideration for the success of this program and in
development of a national broadband policy.  Adoption and delivery of
broadband through the US should be viewed as being as essential as
electricity.  Affordable broadband delivers numerous benefits to the
communities, medical providers, retail customers, public entities
such as local governments and law enforcement agencies. It provides
the foundation for economic development, collaboration and
innovation.  In order for programs to achieve the goals of the act,
fairness and enforceable rules are crucial.  The program will not
succeed if, for example, we create isolated networks that are too
expensive to operate because backhaul is prohibitively
expensive.  The program objectives should look at the role of cost
and affordability as they relate to penetration and adoption of
broadband.  Without open networks, numerous providers will be unable
to deliver services. Without the services we will only have empty
last mile broadband connections.


  Definition of "underserved"  should be directly tied to cost per
Mbps, As to the definition of undeserved or what should be really
classed as unserviceable areas. The definition of underserved by
Broadband Internet would be those areas or locations were the cost of
tier1 Internet with transport costs are higher then a given amount.
This price per bandwidth with transport should be based on a Formula
similar to this example I have included.

  Definition of Min Broadband download speed in Mbs=A

( This variable is Mbs min for down load Internet speed as set in the
definition of Broadband) " No need for upload speed in this formula
since backhaul bandwidth to the ISP is asymmetrical "


  Customer bandwidth over sell Ratio =10-1

   ( This is the ratio of bandwidth of Tier1 Internet bandwidth in
Mbs in backhaul to the ISP to the amount of over sell of bandwidth in
Mbs to the customer) " example ISP has 10 Mbs of bandwidth and has an
over sell ratio of 10 to 1  then if the ISP broadband service sell a
1 meg download broadband service to a customer the customer would be
sharing that one Mbs of broadband Internet bandwidth with 10 other customers"


Cost for service to meet the desired need for affordable Broadband
for vulnerable populations. = $29.00

  (Estimated price for affordable broadband.)

  Cost of tier1 bandwidth backhaul with transport cost per Mbs = B

  (the reason the formula uses tier1 bandwidth is that there are no
over sell ratio for tier1 bandwidth. Tier2 or tier3 bandwidth have
high over sell ratios basically re selling tier1 bandwidth at a lower
price per Mbs to ISP's)

  The formula would be ((B\10)*A)=C    C>$29.00 then this is an
Undeserved area. Even if their are broadband providers in the area
they would have to be charging prices high enough to cover the cost
of bandwidth thus not meeting the definition of affordable broadband
or their over sell ratio of bandwidth would be so high that the
customer would not actually be receiving broadband service. Thus it
would an under service Broadband area or location.

  Broadband Quality of service and truth in advertising.

   The definition for broadband also needs a broadband QOS standard
set with a Maximum Bandwidth Over sell ratio. The definition of Min
Broadband speeds is meaningless unless a min standard is set for ISP
over sell ratio of backhaul bandwidth to actual customer bandwidth.
Currently the broadband speed is marketed by the last mile speeds of
the technology. This should not be the case the advertised price per
Mbs for broadband service providers are meaningless to the consumer
if a QOS or standard for bandwidth over sale are not set.

Network Neutrality

  Since high-speed networks will inevitably produce heavy users, we
also propose developing a unit-based pricing structure.  Every other
utility in the world charges Consumers based on their level of
consumption, and broadband shouldn't be any different.  The more data
the user consumes (in this case user is both the end user as well as
is the ISP), the more they should pay for it.  Technologically, there
is no difficulty in setting up a unit-based payment system.  Of
course the magic is to set up a fair pricing model.  In the end, the
heavy users,(e.g. peer-to-peer network users) should pay for their
heavy use, which will solve many current debates over issues such as
network neutrality, copyright abuse, piracy, etc.  Market forces will
determine what the end user is willing to pay.

Selection Criteria:

We believe that priorities should be given to applicants who
demonstrate the following:

. create the most sustainable jobs;

. build open access networks based on principals outlined above;

. have the broadest community support;

. that build out will bring affordable broadband to users;

. a sustainable business model; and

. the best solution for community anchor tenants such as libraries,
community colleges, public and safety agencies, etc.

Role of States:

Some proposals may transcend more then one state, and some proposals
may address localities about which the state has inadequate
information.  In my opinion, the states should have no part in the
awarding of broadband grant funds. And that all Proposals should be
judged on their own merits in meeting the goals of the grant.

I also believe that states should be required to examine pricing
structures and existing tariffs.  Without clear rules and
understandable pricing elements for potential providers, the
Broadband stimulus Act will not meet it's intended goals.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Howard Teicher
Email:	howard.teicher@expand.com
Address:	103 Eisenhower Parkway
	Roseland, NJ 07068

SEE ATTACHMENTS.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:37:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	paul feldman
Email:	paulmfeldman@verizon.net
Address:	704 west glendale ave
	burnsville, NC 28714

I urge you to prioritize local, community networks, and de-emphasize the big corporate players. The local networks will keep circulating jobs and dollars in the community, as opposed to the "absentee" big corporate owners, who often contract overseas, as well as favor Wall St. investors over the small community public. We have seen how poor a job Wall Street does to protect local communities. Lets give the resources to those local organizations that have roots in our actual communities, and will be more likely to use the money in ways that multiply its potential to stimulate the economy on Main St.
Thanks

buy American prodcuts in broadband stimulus program and creat American jobs!!!

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

buy America in stimulus program!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-13T14:40:00Z

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tracy Hendershott
Email:	lichen@sprynet.com
Address:	1314 4th Place
	Kirkland, WA 98033

I am a healthcare practitioner and am writing to express my concern regarding BTOP's funding of wireless Broadband technology. Numerous
studies have shown the clear harmful effects of wireless technology on human health. I have personally seen the results from numerous peer-reviewed studies. Unfortunately, this information is not shared widely. With this in mind, I support funding of fibre optic and other landline broadband technology only, basically nothing wireless.

On April 2, 2009 the European Parliament passed a resolution warning of dangers to children and urging the adoption of stricter exposure standards throughout Europe. Among scientists who have warned of the urgency of the present situation are Robert O. Becker, the late orthopedic surgeon and bioelectromagnetics researcher, who said that "the
greatest polluting element in the earth's environment is the proliferation of electromagnetic fields." More recently, Leif Salford, Chief of Neurosurgery at Lund University Hospital in Sweden, who has found evidence of brain damage from even brief exposure to cell phones, has called wireless technology "the largest biological experiment ever."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Daniel W. Horton
Email:	dchorton@cox.net
Address:	10409 Hunter Station Road
	Vienna, VA 22181

COMMENTS ON RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT

As the agency considers how best to invest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in broadband deployment, I request that you consider the needs of marginalized rural communities.

1. Please use these public funds to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. We should focus public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks.

2. "Unserved" communities should be given funding priority.

3. "Unserved" areas should be defined as places that currently do not have Internet service or have only dial up service. Applicants should include information on how their projects will provide broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for the targeted audience; promote adoption of broadband technology in the target community, and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target community.

4. The agency should be flexible in how it allows applicants to define "underserved." Rather than relying only on geographical boundaries, the applicants should be asked to address the following criteria:

A - Whether the cost of current broadband services is out of reach for the target population
B - Whether the current speeds available fail to meet the targeted population's needs for advanced communication services.
Applicants should include information on how their projects will address these price or speed shortfalls. Applicants should also include information on how their projects will promote adoption of broadband technology and collect data about the broadband services provided to the targeted audience.

5. The agency should invest in projects that serve as examples for how the United States can return to leadership in broadband accessibility for its citizens. This includes favoring non-profit, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Edyael@ruralstrategies.org
Email:	tarzan@mcdowell.main.nc.us
Address:	396 Arrowhead Trail, Marion, NC
	Marion, NC 28752

I sincerely think that the local networks create more jobs. The money would benefit more people in remote areas where the large networks bypass we who would love to be in on the pie. Local networks (especially Non-Profit networks), have a heart for the have-nots. Please consider the Local Networks very seriously. Thanks.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael Smeltzer
Email:	mike@servercom.us
Address:	1505 Sandpiper Lane
	Champaign, IL 61821-5915

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) encourages proposals to NTIA from public institutions such as research universities, which are anchor institutions in their communities. Research universities however typically collect double-digit percentages of Indirect Cost Recovery (ICR) on research grants.

While that may be appropriate for true research grants, the ARRA envisions grants that will fund broadband construction and job creation more than pure research. Many research universities may not have a mechanism for differentiating between a research grant proposal and a construction grant proposal in their processes and procedures.

To avoid putting research universities at a disadvantage from receiving ARRA funding and to insure that ARRA funds will be spent more on job creation than on supporting the overhead costs of a university or of any recipient, the NTIA should establish a maximum allowable rate for ICR for all proposals.

As Congress allowed the Department of Commerce 3% of the ARRA broadband funding to administer the program, that would seem an appropriate percentage to allow NTIA grant recipients for ICR as well. Establishing a maximum allowable ICR rate is more important than the exact percentage, but 3% would be consistent with congressional intent.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brian Dabson, RUPRI
Email:	brian@rupri.org
Address:	216 Middlebush
	University of Missouri
	Columbia, MO 65211

Please see attachment.

Attachments

NTIA RUS Submission Final RUPRI Dabson.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	tim@cccwifi.com
Email:	tim@cccwifi.com
Address:	P.O. Box 866
	Elk Rapids, MI 49629

We are a WISP that delivers exclusively in under served regions of Northern Michigan including some tribal regions. My comments will be specific. Broadband requirements for Wireless (baseband) should be set at a minimum of 2.5meg by 2.5meg wired deliver should considered at a minimum 5meg by 5meg. All deliveries must be capable of immediate deployment and 85% achievable over 30 months. Townships we work with are looking for double plays not to exceed a price point for basic access and digital telephone. A basic triple play would move the price point. This will require fiber deliver to rural regions that support a much lower price per meg for P2P transports and internet access in the area considerable less then what is available today. Public safety would be better served by participating with the general public instead of building their own. In rural areas public safety has a tendency to be separate from the rest of the region. It is respectfully submitted that the regulatory TELCO industries have had ample opportunity to respond and have failed in their obligation. We also encourage the NTIA to utilize a proven forum for rating and administration the USDA. We encourage that providing additional points to smaller under capitalized companies that have made a proven impact in their regions. Comments towards Mapping and tracking the impact. It is suggested that each grant should include components that encourage how proper data will be provided in support of mapping and it is suggested that through behavioral studies that the real impact on the regions effected be studied to provide input for future similar programs.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joe Cremin
Email:	joe@starwire.net
Address:	PO BOX 428
	Siren, WI 54872

Wireless is one of the best means for getting broadband into very rural areas quickly and inexpensively. There is no substantiating evidence that microwave frequencies cause health problems as many are suggesting. If that were the case, hospitals wouldn't have wifi all over the place.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Walters & Associates, Inc.
Email:	chuckwalters@verizon.net
Address:	6509 Goldsboro Road
	Bethesda, MD 20817

Walters & Associates, Inc. respectfully submits its Comments regarding Spectrum Valuation Issues to the Joint National Telecommunications and Information Administration - Rural Utilities Service Request for Information, Docket No. 090309298-9299-01.
Attachments

Attachments

Walters & Associates BroadbandComments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gary Lukowicz
Email:	galukowicz@gmail.com
Address:	P O Box 665
	Arden, NC 28704

Please allow the communities and nonprofit organizations receive the grants to develop broadband access in rural communities. Given the recent failures, dishonesty, and greed in the business environment, it is time to have a new plan. A lot of smaller cities have had community organizations develop free broadband access for their downtown areas. My recent experiences with Verizon and AT&T have brought back memories of Gilda Radner's telephone operator character from the 70's. Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinion.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jenifer Morgan
Email:	jmorgan@yancey.main.nc.us
Address:	279 Sunnyridge Road
	Burnsville, NC 28714

Broadband stimulus funds for our area of rural Western NC need to go to non-profit or government entities. Private tele-coms routinely exaggerate their coverage and speeds, and often charge exorbitant fees. They will invest only in the more profitable areas and not provide the coverage we need to make our area economically viable.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-13T14:36:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sharon Willen
Email:	shrnwillie@yahoo.com
Address:	28 Chestnut Ridge Road
	Mills River,, NC 28759

As a person living in a relatively rural area, surrounded by under-served rural areas, and having worked in regional economic and community development, I believe priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and cooperatives.

Here's why:

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community, rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks -- especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic development. Network operators share their expertise in the communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection" electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized, Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T20:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Steve McDaniel
Email:	stevemcdanielrep@bellsouth.net
Address:	Steve McDaniel
	115 WMB
	Nashville, TN 37243-0172

The broadband funds are extremely important in getting broadband to the rural areas of Tennessee.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T19:07:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Russell E Rogers
Email:	smoothstone675@msn.com
Address:	PO Box 1111
	Mars Hill, NC 28754

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs
overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,
rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and
low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks --
especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable
business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency
response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise
in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit
critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic
development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively
because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep
packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly
use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection"
electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil
liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their
business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open
networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more
opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it
helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized,
Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T18:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Terral Telephone Co.
Email:	dick@wavelinx.net
Address:	6100 N. Robinson Ave.
	Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Comment No. 1. Applicants must be assured that strict confidentiality of the details of each submitted application will be protected.

Question No. 1. Much of the material and many comments during the public meetings stressed the need to “partner” with critical services in the communities. What constitutes partnering? Most of the small communities in which we serve today and will propose to serve within this program have limited and at best part-time critical service providers. Generally the fire department is a volunteer and does not maintain a full time administrative staff. In many communities, police services are provided by the county sheriff’s department. Generally the city offices are staffed by a single clerk if at all. Few of our communities even have a doctor’s office much less a clinic or hospital. Generally libraries are not provided in communities of less than 1000. Most of the communities have an elementary school but participate in regional Jr. High and High schools. Often these services are provided from the County Seat which may not even be within the service area of the applicant. Specifically what would the RUS consider to be an act of partnering with state and local governments? Please provide examples.

Question No. 2. Will RUS and/or NTIA allow applicants to aggregate their projects into a single application? Does aggregating projects create a greater chance of acceptance? As an example, if three different broadband providers within a state or region, each with their own project design, coordinated to insure of no overlap, aggregated their individual projects into a single application and submitted that application via some common entity such as an LLC. Each ISP would operate their projects autonomously but would report would their results collectively via the LLC. The advantage of this would be a single application covering a significant portion of a state.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T18:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Chuck Sherwood
Email:	chuck.sherwood@verizon.net
Address:	96 Kings Row Drive
	South Dennis, MA 02660

COMMENTS ON RURAL BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT

As the agency considers how best to invest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in broadband deployment, I request that you consider the needs of marginalized rural communities.

1. Please use these public funds to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. We should focus public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks.

2. "Unserved" communities should be given funding priority.

3. "Unserved" areas should be defined as places that currently do not have Internet service or have only dial up service. Applicants should include information on how their projects will provide broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for the targeted audience; promote adoption of broadband technology in the target community, and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target community.

4. The agency should be flexible in how it allows applicants to define "underserved." Rather than relying only on geographical boundaries, the applicants should be asked to address the following criteria:

A - Whether the cost of current broadband services is out of reach for the target population
B - Whether the current speeds available fail to meet the targeted population's needs for advanced communication services.
Applicants should include information on how their projects will address these price or speed shortfalls. Applicants should also include information on how their projects will promote adoption of broadband technology and collect data about the broadband services provided to the targeted audience.

5. The agency should invest in projects that serve as examples for how the United States can return to leadership in broadband accessibility for its citizens. This includes favoring non-profit, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination.

the stimulus bill's primary goal should stay in sustaining and creating American jobs.

2009-04-12T16:03:00Z

the stimulus bill's primary goal should stay in sustaining and creating American jobs in US soil and territories and not investing in foreign countries.
.



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Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T15:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Harry Hamil
Email:	hhamil@buncombe.main.nc.us
Address:	15 John Myra Ave.
	Black Mountain, NC 28711

I live in a small town (Black Mountain, NC) near a small city (Asheville, NC). My wife and I are in the process of relocating to a rural area in SW Virginia, probably Grayson, Whyte or Black counties.

One of the reasons that we have chosen that area is that despite its beautiful mountains, it has long standing commitment to internet availability. This has be done primarily through local government and local business partnerships as big business has no interest in the area because of the higher cost of doing business.

I have no question that our country will most benefit from giving first priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to rural areas particularly those with topography that make service delivery more difficult. This means that the first priority for the funds must be community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and cooperatives BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE IS WILLING TO DO IT.

This is an opportunity to demonstrate that our country has recommitted itself to equality of opportunity and will not treat rural areas as if they were colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Additionally, for 15 years, my wife and I have worked long and hard trying to revive local agriculture in our area. Though our emphasis has been withing 50 miles, the internet has proven invaluable in both the gathering and dissemination of information.

Our tailgate market relies upon e-Newsletters to spread our message. Currently, we are hesitant to include photographs despite "a picture's being worth a thousand words" because so many of our supporters still only have dial-up connections.

Why is that true? Because most of our area is currently dependent upon national telephone and cable
companies for their internet connection. In our own case, the difficulty we had actually connecting to broadband through our national telephone company was astonishing. And it is slower and costs more than that provided by a non-profit local partnership in a more rural area.

Finally, there is also no question that our country's economy will receive a much greater impact from a dollar spent with a community-based network than with big telecom. And that is the most important reason. We need the "biggest bang for our bucks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T13:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brook Goddard
Address:	1251 Monroe St
	Hollywood, FL 33019

I urgently request that the funds allocated to spread broadband access to rural areas be controlled by local community based networks, especially non-profits, municipal,and cooperatives. The huge telecommunication conglomerates do not have the users best interests in mind when dealing with broadband access in rural areas. There is not enough profit to be made in sparsely populated hard to reach communities across the country. I have a vacation residence in such a place - rural, mountainous, western North Carolina. There is no way that I can receive broadband where I am located unless the local non-profit Moountain Area Information Network (MAIN)has access to these funds to expand their existing network. In todays age it is embarassing that many Americans still do not have easy, inexpensive access to broadband.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T05:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NTIA and RUS
Email:	s_broadhead@hotmail.com
Address:	328 Martins Creek Road
	Barnardsville, NC 28709

It is my hope that you will consider the needs of marginalized rural communities as the priority for funding. It is important to make high speed internet access available to those who don't have access to it at present rather than rebuilding current networks.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T05:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	volunteer MAIN/WPVM 2007-2009
Email:	francoismanavit@gmail.com
Address:	73 dye leaf rd
	Fairview, OTHER 28730

> As for the stimulus package demand the public need to know that ,
> MAIN's financial situation (3-6 months from being in-the-red, budget
> numbers based on unrealistic expectations, unsustainable business
> model), their track record of poor wireless broadband service (lots of
> cancellations due to poor installations and bad connections, lack of
> customer service, uncompetitively high costs for sub-industry-standard
> bandwidth tiers), and the dysfunction of their governance (with over 50%
> board turnover in the last year--with many resignations; and an
> organization with very clear Founder's Syndrome) are not the kind of
> informations that the governemnt should ignore before granting such
> amount .
>
> If Our tax money is given to an organization such as MAIN and WPVM ,
> the public and the governemnt need to understand that the community
> will have a very limited say into the project itself .
> Francois MANAVIT
> VolunteerMain/wpvm 2007/2009
>

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T04:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jason Mumpower
Email:	rep.jason.mumpower@capitol.tn.us
Address:	103 War Memorial Building
	Nashville, TN 37243

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T04:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mayor James L. Bailey, Jr.
Email:	jbailey@maurycounty-tn.gov
Address:	41 Public Square Courthouse
	Columbia, TN 38401

I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Connected Tennessee for consideration for the federal stimulus grant program.I have personally seen the strong positive approach Connected Tennessee delivers in accessing the broadband and computer capabilities in semi-rural counties such as Maury County and believe their programs are dedicated to improving this in all counties of Tennessee. I recently witnessed the presentation of new computers to the Boys and Girls Club of Maury County and with the help of a stimulus grant this program can be expanded to low income families and help move them to a more level playing field as they prepare for life and compete in the computer age. Again I ask for your support on behalf of Connected Tennessee in the awarding of these funds.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T04:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	1396 Danielson Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Email:	sage@silcom.com
Address:	1396 Danielson Road
	Santa Barbara, CA 93108

Substantial scientific evidence exists to warrant caution in implementing new wireless technologies associated with broadband (www.bioinitiative.org).
Health care costs will likely increase with chronic exposure to low-intensity radiofrequency and microwave exposures. Chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer and neurological diseases are associated with such exposures. Short-term disabilities may include memory loss, loss of concentration and attention, sleep disruption, skin rashes, allergic reactions, tinnitus, fatigue, dizziness and spatial disorientation. The exsting public safety standards (FCC) are obsolete in light of these new technologies and do not sufficiently protect the public.
The Obama stimilus package is laudable, but should take into account the potential for adverse health risks resulting from chronic exposure to wireless RF associated with this system. Fiber optic and wired connections for internet service are available, and do not pose potential health risks and risks to well-being.

Broadband over power line (BPL) will pose the same potential health risks and should be avoided. Since it is not possible to "opt out" of such systems, as they are automatically delivered over everyones' electrical wiring, this is an unacceptable intrusion and is likely to increase national health care costs. It should be avoided.

SmartGrid proposals that depend on wireless systems should likewise be avoided.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T03:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Lewis Patrie
Email:	patriel@bellsouth.net
Address:	99 Eastmoor Drive
	Asheville, NC 28805

Because air waves must be recognized as an esential part of the public commons, 1st priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and cooperatives. The 1st Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech necessitates public access to the airwaves unencumbered by the corporate media monopoly, their intervention and their special interests.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T03:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Fred Reese
Email:	fmrj@mitchell.main.nc.us
Address:	Fred Reese
	Box 296
	Linville Falls, NC 28647

We live in a rural area and do not have access to cable, DSL or Broadband.Our diasl up serve is very good, but the connection is slow and totally inadequate. We need Broadband to expand our horizens , help businesses which require better access to interest, promote tourism, take advantage of technologies which most in the country already have.
We count on your help to assure that funding is made available to provide broadband to rural areas in NC which are now deprived of resources we desperately need.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T01:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Julia Borg
Email:	sjborg2@gmail.com
Address:	585 Willow Creek Rd
	Leicester, NC 28748

If YOU still had to use dial up, as many of us who live in rural communities do, you would consider the following comments as quite important!
As the agency considers how best to invest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in broadband deployment, I request that you consider the needs of marginalized rural communities.

1. Please use these public funds to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. We should focus public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks.

2. "Unserved" communities should be given funding priority.

3. "Unserved" areas should be defined as places that currently do not have Internet service or have only dial up service. Applicants should include information on how their projects will provide broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for the targeted audience; promote adoption of broadband technology in the target community, and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target community.

4. The agency should be flexible in how it allows applicants to define "underserved." Rather than relying only on geographical boundaries, the applicants should be asked to address the following criteria:

* A - Whether the cost of current broadband services is out of reach for the target population
* B - Whether the current speeds available fail to meet the targeted population's needs for advanced communication services.

Applicants should include information on how their projects will address these price or speed shortfalls. Applicants should also include information on how their projects will promote adoption of broadband technology and collect data about the broadband services provided to the targeted audience.

5. The agency should invest in projects that serve as examples for how the United States can return to leadership in broadband accessibility for its citizens. This includes favoring non-profit, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T00:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Marilyn O'Leary O'Shea
Email:	moshea@ntca.org
Address:	136 Cisco Road
	Asheville, NC 28805

Web Form Comment

2009-04-12T00:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	K. Timothy Cline
Email:	tim.cline@ideafamilies.org
Address:	2157 Van Horn Road
	Fairbanks, AK 99701

See attachment.

Attachments

RFI.NTIA.April 2009.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T23:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Margaret O'Nan
Email:	pgdems@yahoo.com
Address:	396 Sugar Cove Rd
	Marion, NC 28752

We are so far behind. Countries all over the world have more extensive internet infrastructures. If we are going to compete in a global economy we have to improve access to information and education.
Western NC in in particular need because of our high unemployment rates after losing most of our industry, compounded by the poor economy. Our educational systems here are poor and people often live in isolated locations. We desperately need the jobs that building the distribution system would create and we also need fair access to the benefits of broadband.
I cannot even update my computer from my house because we can only get, at best, a 26kbps connection and because of high cost, tree canopy and close mountains, satellite internet service is not an option.

Please consider our areas special needs when awarding your grants.

Sincerely,

Margaret ONan

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T23:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alex Netherton
Email:	danetherton@charter.net
Address:	210 Governors View Rd.
	Asheville, NC 28805

As the agency considers how best to invest American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in broadband deployment, I request that you consider the needs of marginalized rural communities.

1. Please use these public funds to compensate for the lack of private broadband investment in unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas. We should focus public funding on reaching communities that do not have access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks.

2. "Unserved" communities should be given funding priority.

3. "Unserved" areas should be defined as places that currently do not have Internet service or have only dial up service. Applicants should include information on how their projects will provide broadband at affordable rates and optimal speeds for the targeted audience; promote adoption of broadband technology in the target community, and collect data about the broadband services provided to the target community.

4. The agency should be flexible in how it allows applicants to define "underserved." Rather than relying only on geographical boundaries, the applicants should be asked to address the following criteria:

* A - Whether the cost of current broadband services is out of reach for the target population
* B - Whether the current speeds available fail to meet the targeted population's needs for advanced communication services.

Applicants should include information on how their projects will address these price or speed shortfalls. Applicants should also include information on how their projects will promote adoption of broadband technology and collect data about the broadband services provided to the targeted audience.

5. The agency should invest in projects that serve as examples for how the United States can return to leadership in broadband accessibility for its citizens. This includes favoring non-profit, community and local ownership; affordability; support for adoption programs; and the development of an open network, free of discrimination.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T23:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Hayden Kaden
Email:	kaden@prodigy.net.mx
Address:	P.O. Box 138
	Gustavus, AK 99826

I am a resident of a rural community in Southeast Alaska which is comprised of approximately 350 year round residents and up to 550 in the summers due to the influx of National Park and concessionaire employees. We are served now by dial-up internet services. Our local server, Gustavus Community Network, has been planning for some years for the eventual advent of broadband service. They have been diligently working through the permitting processes to install an antenna on a mountainside near our community which could broadcast a signal to all our residents who elect to have receivers on their homes. It would be great if we could get some help from the government in furtherance of this endeavor. Thank you for any assistance that you can provide. Sincerely, Hayden and Bonnie Kaden

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jon Freeman
Email:	jfreeman@ncic.org
Address:	347 Portland Street
	St Johnsbury, VT 05819

We are a 501c3 building Wireless LINC, which will provide broadband service to end users including the unserved and underserved communities of Northern NH and Northeastern VT.

Wireless LINC’s fixed wireless technologies utilized are highly secure and easy to upgrade thereby offering the region state-of-the-art performance both now and as demands increase. This infrastructure initiates through fiber connections in key areas that provide both primary and back-up sources and also helps with pricing competition. Such a design creates the first level in redundancy and survivability.

Within the system, data transmissions are made point to point between Outreach Beacons distributing service throughout the region. Each Outreach Beacon has multiple point to point transmissions to ensure automated and immediate backup within the system to create the second level in redundancy and survivability. Finally, point to multipoint transmission is made to distribute service to end users.

Wireless LINC operates as a Regional Service Provider offering to Internet Service Providers a state-of-the-art infrastructure to operate on. At the same time, it is a true open access solution, placing choice and opportunity in the hands of the end user. Through the design of the system, it is anticipated very high performance broadband options will be offered, thereby allowing the region to enjoy an ability to operate competitively worldwide.

The system design allows the delivery of service to occur in any size segment of the total territory while additions are being made.

Wireless LINC conforms to the NTIA Title 6 Broadband Communications definition of `Advanced Wireless Broadband Service' – “A wireless service delivering to the end user data transmitted at a speed of at least 3 megabits per second downstream and at least 1 megabit per second upstream over an end-to-end internet protocol wireless network;” and the `Basic Broadband Service' – “A service delivering data to the end user transmitted at a speed of at least 5 megabits per second downstream and at least 1 megabit per second upstream.”

This is a large, low income region that needs an infrastructure with a significant cost yet we do not have access to 20% matching. We hope the ARRA funding can be provided without match.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T21:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Penny Glancy
Email:	glancy6275@verizon.net
Address:	237 Woodbriar Ln
	Burnsville, NC 28714

please help us get broadband!

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T21:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	pat thibodeaux
Email:	none available
Address:	p o box 491
	little switzerland, NC 29849

broadband is not available in our area

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T21:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Wendy Reid
Email:	thedesigngallery@verizon.net
Address:	7 South Main Street
	Burnsville, NC 28714

This would make such a difference to our disadvantaged community - to school children - and to businesses that could employ more people if they could compete on a more level playing field.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T21:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gib Barrus
Email:	gib@campcelo.com
Address:	775 Hannah Branch Rd.
	Burnsville, NC 28714

Having spent my entire life living in rural western North Carolina I am acutely aware of the importance of bringing new communication technology to our area. Because the mountainous terrain in our region restricts travel over roadways, the virtual connection that would be provided by broadband connection is all the more essential to economic growth.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T20:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bruce Mulkey
Email:	bruce@brucemulkey.com
Address:	16 Spears Avenue
	#19
	Asheville, NC 28801

To: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) (who are seeking comments on how to spend $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds to ensure economic development to rural communities.

Dear Fellow Citizens:
This is an incredible, history-shifting opportunity to uplift the best of democracy and practical prosperity building for real people in the US. Please use the funds you've been charged with dispersing for the purposes in which they are intended.
The purposes of the BTOP are to "accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and ensure that strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits have broadband connections.
The purpose of RUS is to "improve access to broadband in areas without service or that lack sufficient access to high speed broadband service to facilitate economic development."
Here's why:

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs
overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,
rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and
low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks --
especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable
business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency
response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise
in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit
critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic
development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively
because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep
packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly
use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection"
electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil
liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their
business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open
networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more
opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it
helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized,
Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T19:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Lynn Johnson
Email:	earthsongwalker@yahoo.com
Address:	POB 823
	Asheville, NC 28802

This is an incredible, history-shifting opportunity to uplift the best of democracy and practical prosperity building for real people in the US. Please use the funds you've been charged with dispersing for the purposes in which they are intended.
The purposes of the BTOP are to "accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and ensure that strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits have broadband connections.
The purpose of RUS is to "improve access to broadband in areas without service or that lack sufficient access to high speed broadband service to facilitate economic development."
Here's why:

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs
overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,
rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and
low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks --
especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable
business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency
response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise
in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit
critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic
development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively
because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep
packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly
use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection"
electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil
liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their
business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open
networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more
opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it
helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized,
Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T19:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Greg Reynolds
Email:	greg@rarch.com
Address:	P.O. Box 2200
	Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Dear Fellow Citizens:
This is an incredible, history-shifting opportunity to uplift the best of democracy and practical prosperity building for real people in the US. Please use the funds you've been charged with dispersing for the purposes in which they are intended.
The purposes of the BTOP are to "accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and ensure that strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits have broadband connections.
The purpose of RUS is to "improve access to broadband in areas without service or that lack sufficient access to high speed broadband service to facilitate economic development."
Here's why:

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs
overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,
rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and
low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks --
especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable
business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency
response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise
in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit
critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic
development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively
because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep
packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly
use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection"
electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil
liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their
business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open
networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more
opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it
helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized,
Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T19:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Reg Bezzola
Email:	regbez@intergate.com
Address:	92 Bonne St.
	Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Sirs!
I am one of those adversely affected souls, by the exorbitant charges of internet providers such as AT&T, Satellite, etc. , who’s “hi-speed” is deplorably, below hi-speed internet service provided to me in Phoenix AZ, during the Winter months, by Cox communications, for less than ½ their outrageous price.
It is hi time broadband was made available to us in outlaying areas such as Spruce Pine, NC, and that for a reasonable price.
Reginald A. D. Bezzola, 92 Boone Str. Spruce Pine, NC, 28777 // 828-766-7741

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T19:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michelle Smith
Email:	themichellesmith@gmail.com
Address:	124 Choctaw Street
	Asheville, NC 28801

Dear Fellow Citizens,
This is an incredible, history-shifting opportunity to uplift the best of democracy and practical prosperity building for real people in the US. Please use the funds you've been charged with dispersing for the purposes in which they are intended.
The purposes of the BTOP are to "accelerate broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and ensure that strategic institutions that are likely to create jobs or provide significant public benefits have broadband connections.
The purpose of RUS is to "improve access to broadband in areas without service or that lack sufficient access to high speed broadband service to facilitate economic development."
Here's why:

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs
overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,
rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and
low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks --
especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable
business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency
response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise
in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit
critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic
development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively
because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep
packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly
use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection"
electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil
liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their
business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open
networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more
opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it
helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized,
Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T18:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Yvonne O. Myers
Email:	myersyv@oplin.org
Address:	P.O. Box 130
	20 James Wright Place
	Martins Ferry, OH 43935

April 11, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

As a Director of a public library system, I am writing to convey the importance of the Connect Ohio partnership and its No Child Left Offline program.

Led by Governor Strickland, Connect Ohio is a public-private partnership that brings together state and local government, community organizations, business leaders, libraries, schools, healthcare institutions, and technology providers to work in every county across Ohio for better broadband access and computer literacy. This includes collaborative broadband mapping, local research, and grassroots technology planning in every county, and computer connectivity programs.

Through Connect Ohio’s No Child Left Offline program, computers are distributed to children who need them most. In February 2009, No Child Left Offline donated 400 new computers to more than 40 after-school and community organizations throughout Ohio.

As you implement the Broadband Data Improvement Act, please make every effort to ensure that Connect Ohio and its No Child Left Offline program is eligible for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As we work together toward economic recovery, it is critical that the federal government offer funding and support to existing public-private partnerships which have proven effective in bridging the digital divide.

Belmont County could use fiber optic technology at all of their public libraries, including Martins Ferry Public Library and five branches located in Bridgeport, Shadyside, Powhatan Point, Bethesda and Flushing; St. Clairsville Public Library; Barnesville Public Library; and the Bellaire Public Library. Currently, our options are limited and certainly not state-of-the-art. Our libraries are busier than ever, even with reduced hours due to lower funding levels as a result of the depressed economy, and our area could use some new computers to assist all our patrons, many of who cannot afford access or computers and the supplies necessary to use them. This Appalachian Region is truly suffering economically.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Yvonne O. Myers
myersyv@oplin.org
Director
Martins Ferry Public Library
20 James Wright Place
P.O. Box 130
Martins Ferry, OH 43935

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T18:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Pamela Poteet
Email:	mtcabin@graham.main.nc.us
Address:	321 Hidden Valley
	Robbinsville, NC 28771

Broadband internet access is absolutely essential for those of us who live in remote areas. I am speaking only from my personal experience, but I feel certain that any one living in unserved areas have similar experiences.
I have dial-up access to the internet and currently, no alternative to this outdated system. My friends and co-workers laugh when I tell them I have no way to get "fast" internet service which they, living in towns and cities, have had for ten years. It seems they cannot believe that anyone living in the United States would not have internet access which actually allows downloads and interaction. I am often told to go online and access information in the form of video and audia feeds. Well, I cannot do this with a dial-up connection.

Most of the available information is now in a format that I cannot reach. I have a cell phone, but no cell phone access at my home. I no longer have satellite television because since my husband and I work some distances from our home, we did not feel we used the service enough to justify the expense. Then we tried satellite internet service. After paying four hundred dollars just to get set up, we discovered that our downloads were so limited that we could not get enough news and information to justify the ridiculously high fees demanded by the satellite service which has essentially no competition, and therefore, no price controls.

Essentially, I am cut off from the modern world, much as rural populations in the US prior to 1940 were cut off. The rural electrification initiatives of the 30s and 40s brought radio information to my grandparents' and parents' generations. I see our rural situation re broadband access as equivalent to the dire straits of those farm families of the depression, having no contact with the outside world. Of course, we can get in our cars and go to places that have broadband and cell phone access, so we are actually not as removed as our forebears. However, with no cell phone service, no television service and no broadband service, we sometimes feel like we live in a third world country..oh, wait, many citizens of third world countries have better access than we do!

It was with some amusement that I reached this comment site. It took seven minutes and then a second attempt just to get to the site. The very thought that the large communications companies (and I use that term loosely) will control any future access I might possibly be able to obtain makes me laugh outloud. I am certain the cost will be prohibitive and continually rising, eventually becoming unaffordable.

Rural broadband access needs to be routed through rural non-profits. With billions of dollars of stimulus money coming into the broadband communications system, AT&T and Verizon naturally want to control it. That would be the worst thing that could happen to people living in rural communities. Profit is the only motive, and profit-making and taking by large corporations never helps the consumer. Politicians and corporations preach about competition, but there are some public arenas that need controlled cost and regulations because there will be no true competition in this field. This has already been proven by the monopolistic control of the cable TV industry. The broadcast space that allows citizens of a representative republic access to information and the workings of the government, as well as the means to communicate with their fellow citizens, belongs to the citizens. This ownership is essential to the health and prosperity of the nation and we are the nation. One irony is that the very people who most need broadband access, the ones who live farthest,or are most blocked by geographical barriers, from cultural and educational resources, are the ones least likely to ever get it. Without fast internet service, college courses and professional continuing education which are offered via internet sites, are completely prohibited for those of us without access. Working at home, running an internet-based business or just trying to do basic research are impossible.

I am trying to remain hopeful that the Obama administration and the stimulus package will manage to bring about what I thought was hopeless a few months ago. Opportunities are here now for a major change in the ways rural America receives vital information. Will anything be done for the people or will all efforts go to increase the wealth and influence of the corporations? We will soon know, I suppose, or at least, some will soon know..those that have access to information via broadband. The rest of us will find out much more slowly, by sitting and waiting in front of a computer screen that remains blank for long periods as information trickles in one word at a time.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T18:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Geoff Vorhees
Email:	GVorhees@gmail.com
Address:	291 Settlers Lane
	Asheville, NC 28801

! ! ! IMPORTANT ! ! !

Do whatever you need to do to ensure that the Mountain Area Information Network does NOT receive any grant money. The organization has a long history of mismanaging money, misappropriating grants and mistreating staff and volunteers. Please research this organization online for more details.

end

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T18:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	7334 NC 80, Bakersville, NC 28705
Email:	laureloaks@main.nc.us
Address:	7334 NC 80
	Bakersville, NC 28705

Broadband is especially important for us who we live in sparsely populated areas of the State. We need your support.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T17:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Frank Knott President
Email:	fknottmd@earthlink.net
Address:	P.O. Box 314
	Riverwood, MD 21139-0314

This submittal is the official testimony of ViTAL Economy to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This submittal is an update and replaces previous communications. Please see the attached PDF submittal testimony.

Attachments

VE 041009 ARRA WhitePaper.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T16:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Frank Knott President
Email:	fknott@vitaleconomy.com
Address:	P.O. Box 314
	Riderwood, MD 21139-0314

Since 1992, ViTAL Economy, Inc. has been facilitating regional economies, throughout North America, on the development of regional frameworks to address the “digital divide”. Over these years we have learned that reversing the “digital divide” is as much about changing behavior and mindset of public, private, community leaders and the average citizen as it is about building broadband infrastructure to increase access to broadband services. We have learned that “if you build it they often may not come”. Please accept the attached white paper as the ViTAL Economy submittal.

Attachments

VE 041009 ARRA WhitePaper.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T16:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jade Pierce
Email:	jadeacupuncture@yahoo.com
Address:	330 Sully Ln.
	Burnsville, NC 28714

Living in a rural area, I find it very difficult to run a small business without reliable, affordable internet access. I want to have options and right now, I have very few!

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T16:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Larry Press
Email:	lpress@csudh.edu
Address:	10726 Esther Avenue
	Los Angeles, CA 90064

Six suggestions for innovation in ownership and business models and technology

Larry Press, Professor, IS, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Charles Brown, The Emergency Communications Leadership and Innovation Center
Patrick Lanthier, The Emergency Communications Leadership and Innovation Center

This note is a summary of the attached paper, which is also available at:
http://www.uic.edu/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/2374/2159.

The paper argues that the BTOP should:

1. Be pessimistic about our ability to create competition through legislation and regulation.
2. Support commodity IP connectivity, not differentiated services.
3. Study current municipal ownership and business models and policies in cities and local areas around the nation and world.
4. Encourage and evaluate innovation in ownership and business models in the local "middle mile" - to learn what works and what does not.
5. Encourage and evaluate projects that push ownership and control of portions of the access network out to home and building owners.
6. Encourage experimentation with last-link wireless, using existing standards like IEEE 802.11 and custom hardware and software.

Since divesture in 1984, we have hoped that legislation and independent regulation could bring about competition in telecommunication markets. However, the large broadband incumbents have benefited from public subsidy without living up to commitments to install fiber, and have used their power to defeat attempts to establish competition. They have also insisted on a service-oriented business model, selling telephone, television and other services rather than service-independent connectivity, leading to inefficient allocation of resources and allowing for cross-service subsidy.

Our access networks are aging, and will be stressed by increasing video traffic. Following the lead of some Asian and European nations, we are beginning to roll out next-generation access networks based on fiber and wireless technology. We will have fiber to all urban and many rural homes and buildings in the long run. The question is not whether we are going to deploy new access infrastructure; the question is "who will own it?"

The BTOP is not large enough to procure and deploy our next generation access networks, but we should use it to encourage and evaluate innovation in ownership and business models and technology.

For example, consider the monthly cost of fiber-based, residential Internet service in several cities:

* Stockholm, 100/100 Mbps: $11
* Seoul, 100/100 Mbps: $24
* Hong Kong, 100/100 Mbps: $35
* Tokyo, 100/100 Mbps: $61
* Amsterdam, 100/100 Mbps: $127
* Lafayette, Louisiana municipal network, 50/50 Mbps: $58
* Lafayette, Louisiana Cox Cable, 50/5 Mbps: $140
* US where available, Verizon FIOS, 50/20 Mbps: $145

Can we explain the large speed and cost differences?

The Cox Cable offering in Lafayette, Louisiana is the slowest and is only five dollars a month less than Verizon FIOS. The municipal network in the same city is faster and cheaper, but the Cox network reaches more neighborhoods, and Cox competes with temporary sale prices where there is overlap.

Stockholm is at the other extreme. They have a municipal network that reaches every block in the city. Unlike Lafayette, they do not offer consumer service over their fiber, but lease network access to anyone who would like to offer service. The Internet service providers, including incumbent telephone and cable companies, compete on an equal footing.

As a result, there are many competing service providers in Stockholm, and the city owns the expensive, long-life assets like fiber, rights of way, conduit, and tunnels, and the service providers own the electronic equipment that is relatively cheap and is upgraded frequently as technology improves.

This is only one, partial example. The BTOP should fund ongoing study of municipal projects. We have conducted studies to characterize the state of the Interent in many nations, using a framework developed by ourselves and colleagues. However, national context explains only a portion of the variation among cities. The city or local area, not the nation, is the relevant unit of analysis in this case, and a framework for characterizing the state of the Internet in a local area should be developed and used.

Going beyond the middle mile, we should encourage projects that push ownership and control of access networks out to home and building owners. In some cases, these may involve fiber to the structure. (Such a trial is underway now in Ottawa, Canada). Others may bring fiber to the curb or block and rely upon wireless technology in the last link. This may take many forms - point to multipoint links, local mesh networks, radios that adapt when interference is detected, etc. Whichever technologies are used, they should present standard interfaces, and the hardware should be packaged in self-install kits for mass distribution through chains like Home Depot or Radio Shack.

We will be living with the fiber and high-speed wireless infrastructure we build today for many decades. We will also be living with its owners. BTOP funds can be used to study what others have done and experiment with innovative ownership and business models and technology.

Attachments

policygeneral.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T16:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Thomas Terry
Email:	tterry@ridgeviewtel.com
Address:	401 Bluewater Ct
	Ocean Pines, MD 21811

ARRA funds need to begin investment at the site where the broadband is needed. The home or place of business does not benefit from a mid-mile investment without an organized linkage to last mile providers. Applications need to assure a completion of the connection to the actual service site. Please see attached files.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T16:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Neil Leach
Email:	ndleach@gmail.com
Address:	811 Ramsey Snelson Rd.
	Marshall, NC 28753

We have lived in Madison County, NC for 12 years and have been served faithfully by MAIN (Mountain Area Information Network)for years. This no -profit organization not only provides net service to isolated rural families, but has served to help emerging businesses, and has been a steady advocate for expanded broad-based internet service in Western North Carolina. Wally Bowman, Exec. Dir. of MAIN, has been a committed leader in the effort to increase the flow of information among rural people and a strong voice in opposing the large internet corporations (ie Verizon). We are glad to know that more federal resources is now available to expand these services in this rural area and we would be glad to give supporting testimony for MAIN receiving some of these funds. We think this is essential for grass-roots democracy to function in these areas. Thank you for the opportunity to lend a word of encouragement.

Neil and D'Etta Leach
Home Owners, Gardeners and Involved Citizens

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T16:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	AlphaStar International . www.alphastar.com
Attorney:	Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt
Email:	teleport@alphastar.com
Address:	88 South Water St.
	Greenwich, CT 06830

Re Hybrid IP Network WiMax for Users /Satellite for backhaul/Global Crossing
According to Mr. Mark G. Seifert, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of NTIA, The first two goals of NTOP are:
1-Employment
2-Closing the broadband gap “We, therefore, want to extend high-capacity pipes closer to users in rural, remote, and underserved communities. As Congress has instructed, other entities will be able to connect to those pipes, which will spur competition and get service to people and businesses.” AlphaStar (www.alphastar.com ) is proposing a creative network to meet the goals of employment and deployment IMMEDIATELY.
AlphaStar is proposing an IP based hybrid network which uses WiMax to the user and satellite for backhaul purposes only. AlphaStar developed and deployed this model since the year 2000. It is simple network to deploy, consisting of a satellite dish on a tower or a high building to send and receive data from satellites attached to WiMax antenna to send and receive data to the final user. The final user needs only to have a wireless device to receive access. Unlike the pure satellite broadband network in the market today .The hybrid network does not require a dish and set top box at the final user premises. This eliminates all the associated cost to the consumer and the provider. Accordingly the hybrid network makes the cost of consumer access affordable than the pure satellite networks in the market today both in capital expenditure to connect and the cost of the monthly access.
Meanwhile the hybrid network is more superior to the fiber or legacy networks. For example Global Crossing correctly states in a comment on this forum “The high-capacity pipes referred to by Mr. Seifert are commonly known as the middle-mile facilities that connect rural carriers to the Internet. Typically, these middle-mile facilities are the sole connection available to the Internet and can span literally hundreds of miles” Global Crossing concludes that the cost of for fiber companies or laying down legacy IPv4 dual stack is “exorbitant” and “In order to provide access to broadband service to consumers residing in unserved areas of the United States, Global Crossing would have to deploy middle-mile facilities on a purely speculative basis”
AlphaStar hybrid network of terrestrial/satellite is neither exorbitant nor speculative. First it is deployed without major capital expenditure in advance. Unlike the fiber networks The AlphaStar network is not based on the risky notion of “build it and they will come”. Second, AlphaStar network is built on an incremental basis. The cost of setting up a location is few thousand dollars and dishes can be moved among different markets depending on need or demand. It follows that the model is not speculative since the supply follows demand without the huge capital expenditure required for laying out fiber. The major cost is satellite time and that is also incremental and the cost is affordable today. Third, unlike fiber the AlphaStar network can be deployed within weeks not years without digging and associated delays. Finally, deployment of the AlphaStar network follows employment. People can be hired in these high unemployment communities immediately and broadband would be provided in matter of days or weeks from hiring.
Global Crossing also correctly urges “the NTIA and USDA to establish a process whereby last-mile providers and middle-mile providers can be paired up in support of a more complete effort to provide broadband service to unserved areas”. AlphaStar joins Global Crossing in making this request. AlphaStar is seeking partners, JV with rural wireless companies, Telcos and cable systems. Entrepreneurs are welcome as their initial investment is minimal. Furthermore , Global Crossing and other fiber networks would benefit from peering with AlphaStar at least until their fiber networks are fully deployed. Even few years from now, fully deployed fiber networks still will need AlphaStar redundancy given the vast areas to be covered and need for prudent disaster recovery in rural communities.
www.alphastar.com
Email contact
teleport@alphastar.com

Broadband Stimulus Comments

2009-04-11T15:03:00Z

Most suppliers to US broadband operators produce most or all of their
equipment in Asia. Please provide a strong, credible application of the
stimulus bill's Buy American provision.  Otherwise Billions of our dollars
could go to vendors manufacturing in Asia.    There are still some vendors
keeping manufacturing here and those should be given preference.



Randy Stone, President

Frontier Computer Corp.

4025 Bronze Way

Dallas, TX 75237

800-527-6438, ext. 102

Direct# 214-330-3302
Fax# 214-331-5489

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T14:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sten Gundersen
Email:	stengundersen@hotmail.com
Address:	36 White Flower Dr.
	Burnsville, NC 28714

I live in rural Yancey County, NC, in an area where broadband access is limited. I would like to encourage the promotion of rural broadband access as both an economic and educational tool to improve the quality of life in remote areas, which could benefit significantly from such. I would furthermore like encourage the use of local networks to provide this access, as in my experience they are efficient, responsive to local issues, and create jobs and keep money within the community, amongst other reasons.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T13:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Warren Grafer
Email:	wgrafer@aol.com
Address:	934 S. Toe River Rd.
	Burnsville, NC 28714

Please funnel any and all Broadband stimulus funding to community based orgs such as MAIN in western NC. We are suffering with dial-up access only because the big telecoms like AT&T and Verizon haven't found it profitable enough to offer service in our area.(heck, they haven't even built cell towers here in the Mt. Mitchell/Toe River valley!). Let MAIN put locals to work and provide locals with high-speed broadband we need. Thanks.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T06:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Elizabeth O'Nan
Email:	pace@mcdowell.main.nc.us
Address:	396 Sugar Cove Road
	Marion, NC 28752

April 11, 2009

Dear Sir or Madam,

The first priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to
community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and
cooperatives. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs
overseas. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,
rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks --especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable business models.

Furthermore, local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how stimulus funds are spent. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise
in major cities. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic development. Network operators share their expertise in the communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

Also, local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly use to track how their customers use the Internet. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection" electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil liberties like privacy and free speech.

Additonally, local networks support "open network" protocols because their business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more opportunities for grassroots innovation. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized, Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Please consider these comments in making your decisions.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth O’Nan
Director
Protect All Children’s Environment

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T06:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Pat Momich
Email:	pmomich@madison.main.nc.us
Address:	7839 NC 208
	Marshall, NC 28753

I live in a rural part of NC where no reasonable source of high speed Internet is available. I'm so hope that broadband stimulus money will come to the rural area, especially to community-based networks. Broadband would provide economic benefits to local businesses and promote lots of new businesses. I do part time consulting work and find it incredibly difficult to communicate my designs with dial-up service. Please help the rural areas join the rest of the world with broadband service.

Stimulus Package sending manufacturing jobs off shore?

2009-04-10T17:03:00Z

To whom it may concern:

Please don't let the Stimulus Package send manufacturing jobs off shore.

I am with the Production Engineering group at Zhone Technologies, Inc.,
in Largo,
Florida. I have worked for this company for 33 years of my life and now
due to the economic crisis may lose my job.  Please don't let this
happen to many Americans and me alike by letting the Stimulus Package
send manufacturing jobs off shore.

We manufacture broadband internet equipment.  We are one of the few
remaining electronic manufacturing companies in the US.  We have
remained competitive through the years, and employ 140 assemblers,
technicians, and engineers in Largo.

As you know, the Stimulus Package has provisions for $7.2B for expanding
broadband internet.

It is estimated that 60% of the costs of broadband infrastructure
projects will go to equipment vendors like us.  Since many manufacturers
have off shored their manufacturing to Asia, failure to apply the Buy
America provision could easily result in as much as $4 billion out of
the total $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus funds going directly to
sustain and create jobs in Asia.

We need those jobs here...in Largo....helping our tax base....providing
for employment....helping our people.

Can you help please, by influencing the Departments of Commerce and
Agriculture to apply the Buy America provision,  and avoid sending half
the $7.2B in broadband stimulus funds to support jobs in Asia.

Thank you very much.

Ralph Goostree
Zhone Technologies, Inc.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T04:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	166 Wellspring Lane
Address:	166 Wellspring Lane
	Burnsville, NC 28714

To Whom It May Concern:

We live in a rural area of Western North Carolina and our unemployment rate is over 10%. My wife and I have been running our farm as an agri-tourism destination farm where many people who have not experienced farm life can come a be educated in our sustainable lifestyle. We are as technically adept as we can be with a website that presents our farm/place of business to the world and to the local community as well. We have had great success in our web marketing efforts, but we are extremely limited by our dial-up speed. To keep up with the fast pace of technology and competition, we need faster option(s) to enhance our presence on the Internet. Our website takes a great deal of time to develop and maintain, and this also impedes our ability to access other websites. We also use the Internet to access major institutions of education for researching veterinary techniques as we don a major portion of our veterinary work ourselves. This research ability also aids us in keeping our livestock and farm up to date with latest veterinary news, business opportunities, business correspondence, and techniques. We are tired of having our queries, e-mail, and website construction time out due to the slow speed, and this makes for extra time to conduct business, both personal and professional. I also work at home in a technical position and I need to have a high-speed broadband connection that is affordable for my employment. Telecommuting is becoming very popular now as places of employment would like to see their employees work from home a few days of the week, as well as I need to access the office for after hours work which is a requirement for my job. Our options are limited, and the telecommunication company in our area Verizon will not even repair their outdated switches and POT cabling. In addition, when we have hard rains, our telephone connection goes down, and this further degrades what limited speed we have via dial-up. We have lodged several complaints to upgrade the cabling of the telephone wires that are very old, but it obviously falls on deaf ears. In addition, we do not have cellular reception here as well, so a non-landline option is not available as well.

Please try to place yourselves in our position and visualize trying to make a business successful, and also having the pressure of keeping a technical job via tele-commuting while operating in a technically limited environment and with telecommunication companies (and one local cable company as well). It is difficult, and I know that you would have a hard time of it as well. In addition, bringing this technological advancement to our rural area in addition to other areas of the country would give economically struggling communities the ability to expand their opportunities for success, and not limit them to the path of failure.

Thank you for your interest in my comments.

Regards,

Ted & Elke Spirakis
Wellspring Farm
Burnsville, NC

Broadband iniatiive comments

2009-04-11T05:03:00Z

I manage technology at a non-profit conservatory type Classical music school. We have many opportunities & interest in providing & participating in distance learning in this country & internationaly. The cost of bandwidth to do this well are in the thousands of dollars a month. We would like to have our students & faculty participate in activities related to Internet2 but again, we would have to spend significant amounts on commercial networks to reach the Internet2 connection. Making funding available for all types of educational institutions to have high speed networks without the high monthly costs should be considered as part of this initiative.  Non-profits often can get donations for initial equipment purchases but operational funding is often more difficult. I think this may true with other educational institutions as well. Funding projects that would create fibre networks managed by a local agency such as the Educational Intermediate Units we have here in Pennsylvania, might solve this problem.
Thank You,
James C. Smith
The Pennsylvania Academy of Music
Lancaster, PA

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T03:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Carl Evans
Email:	carlsevans@hughes.net
Address:	77 Wyatt Lane
	Hot Springs, NC 28743

I live in Madison County, North Carolina and the lack of broadband access to rural areas, such as ours, has severely limited our counties ability for economic growth. In order to attract technology based businesses and employees who possess the skills that such businesses are seeking, it is necessary to have broadband access. It is also necessary to have broadband access in rural areas in order to make distance education possible, especially as transportation costs make it unrealistic for rural school systems to transport students by bus. I strongly support the efforts to use local networks, installed and supported by local resources as a means to spur job creation and encourage technical innovation in rural communities. The creation of locally based broadband networks will inject dollars into local economies that would not happen if a centralized approach using large telecom providers is adopted.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T03:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Bakersville, NC 28705
Email:	pennypalenko@yahoo.com
Address:	99 Snyder Rd
	Bakersville, NC 28705

I hope the grants will be used in a way to keep jobs and opportunities here in the US. With the economy here in Western NC among the poorest in the nation, it would be nice to see it used here, not only to provide Internet capabilities to those who otherwise could not afford high speed services, but also to see the job openings this service would provide for local residents.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T03:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	robert rodier
Email:	brodier@att.net
Address:	731 northfork road
	black mountain, NC 28711

Can get on the net at 28.8 kbps. To put that in real time, it takes 5 minutes to get "weather.com". If I could access at 60kbps or higher I would be on in 15 seconds.
Come on folks. We've seen what "corporate America" has done for the little guy. Wouldn't it just feel grand to tell them to stick it their ear this time?

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T03:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Hara
Address:	21 Arborvale rd. #1
	asheville, NC 28801

We need to have this opportunity and assistance for more self-reliance, especially in light of the economy. Focusing on local is where it's at.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T02:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Julie Mansfield
Email:	julie@MountainHarvestOrganic.com
Address:	77 Wyatt Lane
	Hot Springs, NC 28743

I have resided in both rural and suburban areas, and I find that my rural township is almost inaccessible to libraries so the internet is instrumental in providing research and education. At one time we had a mobile book library, but that service was discontinued due to funding, so the to me is a less expensive means for providing such services.

I do believe that business must work towards a distributive model, utilizing local management and resources in creating a more sustainable model for the future. We have seen in the last few decades that consolidation and centralization of management and labor has not worked in developing our local economies. PLEASE allow our local specialists such as MAIN and our local utility companies develop a broadband solution for Western North Carolina.

In WNC, where I live and work, we have an especially challenging infrastructure in distributing broadband to our residents because of the mountains and the distance between our homes. Please grant our local companies stimulus money because they know of the challenges and are best equipped for designing and implementing solutions s that all of us have equal access to broadband.

My message is rather short but I just hope that you will consider Western North Carolina in when deciding how the stimulus money should be distributed.

Thanks for your consideration,

Best Regards,
Julie Mansfield

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T02:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Edyael Casaperalta, Center for Rural Strategies
Email:	jwb828@yahoo.com
Address:	po box 1861
	Bryson City, NC 28713

Dear M. Casaperalta: First priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and
cooperatives. Our broadband options here in rural Swain County, NC have lagged behind the rest of the country, despite Verizon's promises and financial strength. Their DSL service speeds run consistently below their promises, and customer service is a nightmare. I attended Cisco CCNA courses at our local community college in order to work in IT, but the jobs are still not available. A community-based broadband network would help us both with IT support jobs and with the increased connectivity it could provide.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T02:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NTIA and RUS
Email:	marciabcelo@hotmail.com
Address:	1270 Cabbage Patch Rd.
	Burnsville, NC 28714

The area I live in is very economically deprived. A lot of us cannot afford broadband. Have you ever sat at a computer that has only dial-up?? It is unbelievably slow and for this reason is very taxing. The jobs that would be provided for unemployed in WNC would be a boon to those families as well as merchants in the area. Please allow this area to benefit from the funds that are being provided. Big business does not need to reign in this.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T01:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Brian Messex
Email:	messexbw@gmail.com
Address:	1850 Gaines Creek Road
	Wilburton, OK 74578

Latimer county Oklahoma is in dire need of broadband expansion. In the ten years since broadband came to the county (a single area centering on the county seat of Wilburton extending basically 3 miles across) broadband coverage has not expanded one foot.

Latimer county is a rural area and receives most of it's tax revenues from the natural gas industry. This industry relies upon broadband connectivity and due to the poor development of our area, must rely upon satellite or expensive T-1 connections. It is my firm belief that deeper broadband penetration or at the very least, broadband competition (our area is served by one provider, AT&T) would greatly benefit the county.

The benefits would extend greatly beyond business, to the education of our children.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T01:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gerry Locke
Email:	locke.gerry@bsicable.com
Address:	1700 S. Peachtree Road
	Suite 100
	Balch Springs, TX 75180

Please open the attached pdf. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Attachments

ACF736B.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T01:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ben Hecht
Email:	bhecht@livingcities.org
Address:	55 W. 125th Street
	11th Floor
	New York, NY 10027

Our comments are attached

Attachments

Broadband Stimulas

2009-04-11T02:03:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators: 

I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs 

Nearly all the broadband equipment suppliers have offshored their manufacturing to Asia 

If you do not require accounting of the American labor content in broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas. 

As a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I write to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it all, American jobs creation! 

Thank you for your consideration. 



Randall Kirksey

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T01:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Gerry Locke
Email:	locke.gerry@bsicable.com
Address:	1700 S Peachtree Rd
	Balch Springs, TX 75180

Please see attached pdf. Thanks you.

Attachments

BSI NTIA_RUS Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T01:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Alexis Gault
Address:	21 Mountain Terrace
	Asheville, NC 28806

* First priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to
community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and
cooperatives.

Here's why:

1. Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs
overseas.

2. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community,
rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

3. Wall Street business models have failed rural America and
low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks --
especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable
business models.

4. Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency
response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how
stimulus funds are spent.

5. Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise
in major cities.

6. Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit
critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic
development. Network operators share their expertise in the
communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

7. Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively
because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep
packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly
use to track how their customers use the Internet.

8. Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection"
electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil
liberties like privacy and free speech.

9. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their
business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open
networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more
opportunities for grassroots innovation.

10. Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it
helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized,
Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T01:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	COMPTEL
Attorney:	Mary C. Albert
Email:	malbert@comptel.org
Address:	COMPTEL
	900 17th Street N.W., Suite 400
	Washington, DC 20006

Comments of COMPTEL in Response to RFI

Attachments

COMPTEL Comments to NTIA and RUS clean copy.pdf

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program Regulations

2009-04-11T01:04:00Z

Enclosed please find a comment letter from the Office of the Mayor, City of Los Angeles

-- Jim
 
Jim B. Clarke
Director of Federal Relations
Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
City of Los Angeles
200 N. Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-922-9743 / 213-978-0720 fax

Attachments

BTOP Regulations.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T00:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jill Nishi
Email:	jill.nishi@gatesfoundation.org
Address:	P.O. Box 23350
	Seattle, WA 98102

Please find attached comments from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in response to the Department of Commerce’s request for comments on NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. Should you have any questions or require additional information regarding the content of this submission, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Attachments

Gates Foundation NTIA BTOP Comments.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-11T00:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sharon R. Woody
Email:	brushes@buncombe.main.nc.us
Address:	75 Haywood Street
	# 012
	Asheville, NC 28801

Rual broadband is needed as it can create jobs and people will be able to work.There are alot folks who could use a job and can help our children now in the future by educating them more about better things to use lie technology and health.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Freeman T. Clark
Email:	cclark@yancey.main.nc
Address:	53 Laughing Fox Circle
	Burnsville, NC 28714-6698

A substantial portion of the U.S. population lives in rural areas not served by urban communications. In would add to our democracy to have most citizens able to access information and communicate re: major issues

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joe Baum
Address:	164 Ox Creek Road
	Weaverville, NC 28787

I would like to see community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal and cooperatives, be given the first priority for broadband stimulus funding. Local networks create local jobs, create and sustain local expertise in this necessary 21st century skill and business. The money is likely to stay in the local economy. Thank you for taking public comment on this. Joe Baum

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Jen Leasure
Email:	jen@thequilt.net
Address:	2442 NW Market Street #68
	Seattle, WA 98117

Please find attached the submission from The Quilt and StateNets organizations in response to the Department of Commerce's request for comments on NTIA's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. Should you have any questions or require additional information regarding the content of this submission, please contact me. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Jen Leasure
President and CEO
The Quilt
www.thequilt.net

Attachments

Quilt-StateNets Written NTIA Feedback(F) 20090410.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ken LaDeroute
Email:	kladeroute@gmail.com
Address:	20 Ravenscroft Drive
	Asheville, NC 28801

Local networks create local jobs, rather than outsourcing jobs overseas. Local networks re-invest local digital dollars in the community, rather than transferring local wealth to Wall Street investors.

Wall Street business models have failed rural America and low-income urban communities for decades. Local networks -- especially nonprofits -- are more likely to create sustainable business models.

Local network operators live and work in the communities they
serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency response, disaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how stimulus funds are spent.

Local networks bring technical expertise back to our
communities, after decades of a "rural brain drain" as
absentee-networks consolidated information technology (IT) expertise in major cities.

Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic development. Network operators share their expertise in the communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth
groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly use to track how their customers use the Internet.

Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection" electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil liberties like privacy and free speech.

Local networks support "open network" protocols because their business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more
opportunities for grassroots innovation.

Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized, Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rodney Sutton
Email:	rsutton@mtnarea.net
Address:	1779 Bailey Branch Rd.
	MARSHALL, NC 28753

As a citizen of Madison County, North Carolina, I can speak first hand about the importance of having a community-based rural internet provider. If it was not for the Mountain Area Information Network, I along with many of my mountain neighbors would have been left behind on the internet information highway. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 needs to keep as its priority the support of and investment into unserved and underserved communities, such as rural areas and low-income metropolitan areas that have no access to broadband, rather than rebuilding existing networks. Please do not allow the large telecom coporations to divert this money into there for profit, world wide operations. This money needs to stay in local hands to provide jobs in local communities.

Sincerely,

Rodney Sutton

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	FirstMile.US
Email:	susan@firstmile.us
Address:	7668 El Camino Real Suite 104-425
	Carlsbad, CA 92009

FirstMile.US is pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the BTOP and RUS programs.

Attachments

FirstMileUScomments.doc [Compatibility Mode].pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Joseph Danison
Email:	jdanison@renovationpress.com
Address:	1314 Sweetwater Rd
	Marshall, NC 28753

The people's money being distributed in the economic stimulus program should be directed to those organizations based in local communities. It should not be handed out to large corporate telecoms. Local networks, non-profits, and municipalities can best serve local communities.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sree Tangella
Email:	sreemave@yahoo.com
Address:	1915 North Kavaney Drive
	Bismarck, ND 58501

Flow Mobile Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Programs

Attachments

Flow Mobile Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Programs.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Mark Savage
Email:	Mark.savage@dnr.wa.gov
Address:	Washington Department of Natural Resources
	1111 Washington Street SE
	Olympia, WA 98504

Attached are the comments and a proposed business model between a State Trust Land Management orginization and private industry to identify and build out significant broadband infastructure across Washington State.

Attachments

Washington DNR Comments.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	David Lois
Email:	davelois@wiscnet.net
Address:	740 Regent Street Suite 203
	Madison, WI 53715

We have chosen to include our entire commentary in the attached document. Thank you.

Attachments

WN NTIA BTOP Response.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T23:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Michael Dabbs
Email:	mdabbs@itic.org
Address:	1250 I St., NW Suite 200
	Washington, DC 20001

Letter Attached

Attachments

ITI Submission to NTIA RUS on ARRA Broadband investment.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Rebecca Schuyler
Email:	rebeccaschuyler@gmail.com
Address:	400 Skyloft Dr. #101
	Asheville, NC 28801

Thank you for encouraging comments on this issue. I had broadband service from a national service for several months, and was so frustrated that I decided to switch local. Though my service is still not perfect, it helps so much to know that when I call they know where I am and what the problem is that I'm talking about. I recently had to get reconnected and the person who helped me knew exactly who I was, and where I was located. We could talk about how my nearby neighbors in the same complex had solved the same issues and were able to resolve the problem. My technician lives in the area and uses the same network--so he also has a personal investment in the internet working.

In an age when so much is dependent on internet information and communication our communities need this service. The most caring companies should be the ones that provide it, and time and again we see that local non-profits provide the best for their community.
Thank you for your time.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Ms. Sarah Snodgress
Email:	sarah.snodgress@aspeninstitute.org
Address:	Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program
	One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 700
	Washington, DC 20036

Please see the attached report of the 2008 Aspen Institute Communications Policy Conference. At a follow up meeting, participants noted three additional significant points:
1. Not all grants will succeed. It is important to understand from the beginning that with bold initiatives there will be some failures.
2. Evaluation should be built into the projects from the beginning. At the least, applicants could be asked what plans and measures they intend to take with respect to evaluating the project on an ongoing basis.
3. Funds should be spent on helping people gain access to these grants in areas and with populations that are not expert in grant writing.

Attachments

Aspen Institute ICT final published text.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Peggy Tibbits
Email:	pfarrell@yancey.main.nc.us
Address:	395 Hannah Branch
	Burnsville, NC 28714

I would love to have access to broadband here in the high mountains of NC. With all the world getting connected to the internet, we'd like to be part of it too.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Totsie Marine
Email:	totsie@totsie.com
Address:	55 Rainbow Ridge Road
	Swannanoa, NC 28778

First priority for broadband stimulus funding should be given to community-based networks, especially nonprofit, municipal, and cooperatives. Local networks support "open network" protocols because their
business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more opportunities for grassroots innovation.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Clearwire Corporation
Attorney:	Cathleen A. Massey
Email:	cathy.massey@clearwire.com
Address:	815 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 610
	Washington, DC 20006

Attached please find the comments of Clearwire Corporation.

Attachments

Clearwire NTIA-RUS Comments Final.pdf

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Sandy Scofield
Email:	sscofield1@unl.edu
Address:	103 Miller Hall
	University of Nebraska
	Lincoln, NE 68583-0710

See attachment.

Attachments

NTIA-comments-4.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	NTIA Broadband Technology Opprotunities Program
Email:	blueharbor@mtnarea.net
Address:	400 Old Log Road
	Green Mountain, NC 28740

Encouraging local networks is good public policy because it helps the Internet return to its origins as a decentralized, Jeffersonian "network-of-networks."

Because local networks do not use "deep packet inspection" electronics and staff expertise, they help protect core civil liberties like privacy and free speech.

Local networks support "open network" protocols because their business models require them to be "open to all comers." More open networks, in turn, ensures more competitive markets and more opportunities for grassroots innovation.

Local IT expertise is an overlooked "social capital" benefit critical for innovation, job-creation, and grassroots economic development. Network operators share their expertise in the communities where they live and work -- in our schools, our youth groups, and with local entrepreneurs who drive economic growth.

Local networks build and operate networks more cost-effectively because their networks do not include costly electronics for "deep packet inspection" (DPI), which big telecom carriers increasingly use to track how their customers use the Internet.

Local network operators live and work in the communities they serve, so they are more responsive to local needs (e.g. emergency response, isaster-recovery) and will be more accountable for how stimulus funds are spent.

Current broadband stimulus legislation favors
community-based networks, but the big telco and cable companies are pushing hard to get the lion's share of this funding. It's no coincidence that AT&T and Verizon recently re-introduced anti-municipal broadband bills in North Carolina and other state legislatures.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Danna MacKenzie
Email:	danna.mackenzie@co.cook.mn.us
Address:	Cook County Courthouse
	411 W. 2nd Street
	Grand Marais, MN 55604

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input.
Please see attached document.

Attachments

Comments_From_A_Small_Rural_Community_In_Northern_Minnesota.pdf

Flow Mobile Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Programs -- Docket No. 090309298-9299-01

2009-04-10T23:04:00Z

Please accept these comments on behalf of New EA (dba Flow Mobile).  For
further information you may reach:

 

Sree Tangella, President and CEO

New EA

1915 North Kavaney Drive

Bismarck, ND 58501

Office: 701.255.9500

Mobile: 650.704.7888

E-mail: sreemave@yahoo.com 


Thank you.

 

Rob Schill

Director of Federal Affairs, e-Copernicus

(Executive Director, VTIC)

317 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Suite 200

Washington, D.C. 20002

Direct: 202-292-4604

Attachments

Flow Mobile Comments on NTIA RUS Broadband Programs.PDF

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill
Email:	cmayor@cumberlandcountytn.gov
Address:	Two North Main
	Suite 203
	Crossville, TN 38555

Please see attached letter

Attachments

Connected Tennessee.doc

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Win Southworth
Email:	southworthw@hotmail.com
Address:	CPO 6105-Warren Wilson College
	PO Box 9000
	Asheville, NC 28815-9000

Having government provide affordable broadband via partnering with local ISPs is vital to the just and efficient future of this communication technology.

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Judith Major
Address:	954 Forks of Ivy Rd
	Mars Hill, NC 28754

It is time for the US to ensure that all of its citizens have access to high-speed broadband internet service. Please give extra attention to those areas of the country that currently have only dial-up internet access. I live in one of those areas. Thank you, Judy Major

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Libbey Scheible
Email:	libbey@inoss.net
Address:	3340 Rauder Road
	Muldoon, TX 78949

I am attching my comments in a WORD document and in a pdf file.

Attachments

Web Form Comment

2009-04-10T22:03:00Z

Mail correspondence to:	Tom Poe
Law firm:	n/a
Attorney:	n/a
Email:	tompoe@fngi.net
Address:	1315 Cleveland Avenue
	Charles City, IA 50616

As an anecdote, I live in a small rural community in north-central Iowa. I approached our mayor, Jim Erbs, and requested consideration of a community-based initiative that would ensure all students would have access to their school network from their homes. The cost would be a one-time cost of $50 per house, and would not include Internet access, unless permission granted by the school. In other words, a local broadband infrastructure that would enable users up to 54Mbps. The mayor indicated the community would not support such an initiative in his written response to this proposal. I learned that the mayor had been told by Qwest, our regional telecommunications monopoly, that they would not permit a wireless mesh network to be built.

My outrage over anyone who decides our kids do not need a 21st century education, even if it costs just $50 per house, and that $50 provides free local broadband access forever, for every future generation of students, cannot be described.

The NTIA needs to do no more than make sure that any proposal for funding guarantee that every student will have access to their school network as a result, should be the absolute minimum requirement. I expect nothing less. I demand nothing less.

Comment on Broadband Stimulus Plan

2009-04-10T23:03:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators:
 
As a tax payer who ultimately has to pay part of the deficits that will accrue when the broadband stimulus plan is executed, I strongly encourage you to abide by the ‘Buy American’ provision of the program. Please recognize that without job creation and sustained manufacturing growth in our country our economy will never recover. The success of the various government stimulus programs will have profound impact on our economy.

It’s my sincere belief that not one dollar should be spent creating jobs overseas with our tax dollar. I’m not against international trade, but funneling off tax-payer's money to create jobs outside the country does not constitute free trade, but coercive and unethical transfer of wealth.

I have no reservation against purchasing products made in foreign countries that use their own investments, follow internationally sanctioned labor and environmental regulations, and practice fair trade policies. 

However, one issue I cannot support is providing financial assistance to U.S manufactures that export our jobs to countries with cheap labor cost and non-existing regulations. 

Years of globalization myth has brought our economy to its knees, and more of the same failed philosophy will not bring its health back.

Thank you for giving my input serious consideration.

Sincerely,

Shabbir Chowdhury
San Jose, CA

Broadband Stimulas Jobs

2009-04-10T23:03:00Z

Dear NTIA and RUS administrators: 

I understand you are uncertain about the applicability of the stimulus bill's Buy American provision to the broadband stimulus programs. 

Almos all of the broadband equipment suppliers manufacturie their products in Asia 

If you don't require accounting of the American labor content in th broadband stimulus grant proposals, and place a high priority on American labor content in your proposal evaluation process, as much as half of the $7.2b in broadband stimulus funds could go to support jobs overseas. 

As a taxpayer who will ultimately pay part of the bill for all this, I am writing to urge you to include credible, strong enforcement of the Buy American provisions in the implementation of your programs.  Otherwise this may substantially miss the main point of it all, American jobs creation! 

Sincerely, 

Maureen De Bacco 
386 Catalan Way 
San Ramon, CA 94582

BTOP Comments

﻿Point of Contact﻿

﻿FW: Information request﻿

﻿July Workshop﻿

﻿FW: late comments on grant application﻿

﻿BTOP Workshop times﻿

﻿BTOP Workshops﻿

﻿Federal Stimulus funds﻿

﻿PACE Adult Computer Literarcy/Broadband Technology Training﻿

﻿FW: July Workshop﻿

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﻿Grant Info﻿

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﻿Biotech 2009: Post-CALAsia Promotion - 50% Price Reduction﻿

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﻿Response to Claims Made by Infinera﻿

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﻿RE: NTIA & RUS RFP and app submission Date Status﻿

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﻿RE: NTIA & RUS RFP and app submission Date Status﻿

﻿Notifications of Public Meetings﻿

﻿Contact Via: honda190@w.cn﻿

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﻿Request to be put on email recipient list for underserved broadbant area grants﻿

﻿Add to NTIA mailing list﻿

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﻿Web Form Comment﻿

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﻿Web Form Comment﻿

﻿RE: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products﻿

﻿Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products﻿

﻿Congressional Letters to BTOP﻿

﻿Congressional Letters to BTOP﻿

﻿Congressional Letters to BTOP﻿

﻿Web Form Comment﻿

﻿Congressional Letters to BTOP﻿

﻿Congressional Letters to BTOP﻿

﻿Congressional Letters to BTOP﻿

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﻿Congressional Letters to BTOP﻿

﻿NOFA for Rural Telemedicine Technology - Stanislaus County California﻿

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﻿BTOP Grants and Funding Programs﻿

﻿Web Form Comment﻿

﻿Ashland Fiber Network contact info Federal Stimulus﻿

﻿Broadband grant information﻿

﻿mailing list﻿

﻿Web Form Comment﻿

﻿Web Form Comment﻿

﻿Correspondence list - information regarding ARRA Funds, definitions & grants﻿

﻿Comment on supply-side discourse from Zhone﻿

﻿grant﻿

﻿Web Form Comment﻿

Point of Contact

FW: Information request

July Workshop

FW: late comments on grant application

BTOP Workshop times

BTOP Workshops

Federal Stimulus funds

PACE Adult Computer Literarcy/Broadband Technology Training

FW: July Workshop

Web Form Comment

Grant Info

Biotech 2009: Post-CALAsia Promotion - 50% Price Reduction

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

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Response to Claims Made by Infinera

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Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

RE: NTIA & RUS RFP and app submission Date Status

Web Form Comment

RE: NTIA & RUS RFP and app submission Date Status

Notifications of Public Meetings

Contact Via: honda190@w.cn

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Request to be put on email recipient list for underserved broadbant area grants

Add to NTIA mailing list

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

RE: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

Re: Unique Broadband over Power Line Products

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Web Form Comment

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Congressional Letters to BTOP

Web Form Comment

Congressional Letters to BTOP

NOFA for Rural Telemedicine Technology - Stanislaus County California

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Please add me to Correspondence List

BTOP Grants and Funding Programs

Web Form Comment

Ashland Fiber Network contact info Federal Stimulus

Broadband grant information

mailing list

Web Form Comment

Web Form Comment

Correspondence list - information regarding ARRA Funds, definitions & grants

Comment on supply-side discourse from Zhone

grant

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