Press Release
Pickering, Free Press and OIC to Discuss Broadband Stimulus Programs
Contact: Timothy Karr, 201-533-8838
WASHINGTON -- Today, former Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.) will join Free Press and the Open Internet Coalition on a national conference call to outline ways to implement model broadband stimulus programs that promote the public interest and guide future technology policy. The three federal agencies charged with overseeing $7.2 billion in broadband funds will hold their first joint public meeting tomorrow to discuss these programs.
DATE: Monday, March 9
TIME: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
SPEAKERS:
Former Rep. Chip Pickering
Ben Scott, Free Press
Markham Erickson, Open Internet Coalition
*** To join the conference call, dial (888) 792-8352, passcode 89510171 or FREE PRESS ***
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, signed into law last month by President Barack Obama, allocates $4.7 billion to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for broadband adoption and deployment in "unserved," "underserved" and low-income communities; $2.5 billion to the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for rural broadband; and directs the Federal Communications Commission to develop a national broadband strategy.
The NTIA, RUS and FCC are expected to hold several public meetings as the agencies work to establish robust broadband grant programs. Today's call will focus on the priorities, policies and procedures that should direct the grantmaking process.
Read Fress Press' Putting the Angels in the Details: A Roadmap for Broadband Stimulus Success: http://www.freepress.net/files/Angels_in_the_Details.pdf
Broadband meeting agenda: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/Agenda_090310.pdf
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Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
DATE: Monday, March 9
TIME: 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
SPEAKERS:
Former Rep. Chip Pickering
Ben Scott, Free Press
Markham Erickson, Open Internet Coalition
*** To join the conference call, dial (888) 792-8352, passcode 89510171 or FREE PRESS ***
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, signed into law last month by President Barack Obama, allocates $4.7 billion to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for broadband adoption and deployment in "unserved," "underserved" and low-income communities; $2.5 billion to the Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for rural broadband; and directs the Federal Communications Commission to develop a national broadband strategy.
The NTIA, RUS and FCC are expected to hold several public meetings as the agencies work to establish robust broadband grant programs. Today's call will focus on the priorities, policies and procedures that should direct the grantmaking process.
Read Fress Press' Putting the Angels in the Details: A Roadmap for Broadband Stimulus Success: http://www.freepress.net/files/Angels_in_the_Details.pdf
Broadband meeting agenda: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/Agenda_090310.pdf
###
Free Press is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications. Learn more at www.freepress.net
