The word is out and the NTIA and RUS received 2,200 applications requesting $28 billion. There isn’t a ton of info yet on the applications. Here’s what I could glean from the press release:

The applications break down as follows:

Infrastructure

• More than 260 applications were filed solely with NTIA’s BTOP requesting over $5.4 billion in grants to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved and underserved areas.
  • More than 400 applications were filed solely with RUS’s BIP requesting nearly $5 billion in grants and loans for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas.
• More than 830 applications were filed with both NTIA’s BTOP and RUS’s BIP, requesting nearly $12.8 billion in infrastructure funding.

Sustainable Broadband Adoption

• More than 320 applications were filed with NTIA requesting nearly $2.5 billion in grants from BTOP for projects that promote sustainable demand for broadband services, including projects to provide broadband education, awareness, training, access, equipment or support, particularly among vulnerable population groups where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized. (The Recovery Act directs NTIA to make at least $250 million available for programs that encourage sustainable adoption of broadband services, of which up to $150 million is allocated in this first round of grants.)

Public Computer Centers

• More than 360 applications were filed with NTIA requesting more than $1.9 billion in grants from BTOP for public computer center projects, which will expand access to broadband service and enhance broadband capacity at public libraries, community colleges, and other institutions that provide the benefits of broadband to the general public or specific vulnerable populations. (The Recovery Act directs NTIA to make at least $200 million available for expanding public computer center capacity, of which up to $50 million is allocated in this first round of grants.)

More info – such as specific info on applicants – is due in the next few weeks.