Media and Democracy Coalition Offers Recommendations to Improve Broadband Stimulus Funding

In a letter to National telecommunications and Information Administration head Larry Strickling, members of the Media and Democracy Coalition (including the Benton Foundation) raised concerns about the recently released rules for broadband stimulus funds. They write that the adopted definition of "underserved areas" will exclude many worthwhile projects. They also believe the rules give incumbents opportunities to eliminate potential awardees. Finally, the are concerned the rules raise insurmountable barriers for anchor institutions and municipal projects.