Yesterday’s Blandin Broadband Strategy Board meeting focused on the federal stimulus dollars for broadband. We all had lots more questions than answers as the federal agencies seem to be more focused on gathering information than dispersing it at this point. The consensus around the table is that announcements of Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) will be probably happen in May, possibly sooner, maybe later. It is expected that there will be three funding rounds at both NTIA and USDA.

The other consensus thought is that states and communities all around the country are getting prepared to apply for these funds, even in advance of the announcement of program rules. Partnerships between private sector providers and governments and between health, education and government are all being explored and developed.

Some of our board members explained how their organizations are preparing to compete for these funds. Our health care representative, Jon Linnell in Warren, talked about working with his 24 member hospitals. DEED Commissioner McElroy noted state government efforts and how Governor Pawlenty has tasked DEED and Commerce with the broadband areas of funding.

Eric Lampland of Lookout Point Communications talked about the evolving services that his firm is offering to help communities get ready to apply for stimulus funds for FTTP networks. The emphasis is on a quick process that positions communities with information on needs, competitive environment, preliminary engineering and finance.

Wait and see or move forward somewhat blindly. That is the question. Our board advises getting moving so that if your first applications are rejected, you will have additional opportunities to apply. Stand by for more information.