WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on Oversight of the Broadband Stimulus Programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

 

The Honorable Lawrence E. Strickling, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

 

The Honorable Jonathan S. Adelstein, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

 

Mr. Mark Goldstein, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office

 

“Broadband can help us reinvigorate our communications networks in this new century.  With these new networks we can make a difference in people’s lives—change education, improve health care, shore up business and employment opportunities, and foster a new and more democratic dialogue.  I believe we need real broadband solutions for real people.  And we need them now. ” 

 

“This Committee has a long history of furthering the Nation’s economic activity and overseeing the infrastructure necessary for the Nation’s commerce – whether in aviation or seaports, railroads or highways.  The Recovery Act’s broadband initiatives, crafted by Congress earlier this year, are the modern version of these past successes.  These initiatives will not solve all of America’s broadband challenges, but they will allow us to take significant steps in bringing the benefits of broadband throughout America.  I assure you these Recovery Act funds will be money well spent.  Just as investments in transportation infrastructure supported the development of the national highway system, these investments will serve as valuable building blocks for future private investment that will ultimately deliver the promise of truly ubiquitous broadband.”

“As technology continues to evolve, we will continue to find new ways to deliver next generation services and facilities to end users in rural and high cost areas.  We are committed to ensuring that all infrastructure awards are made in a technology neutral manner so that rural end users get the benefit of a variety of technologies servicing their region, not just one.”

“NTIA and RUS face scheduling, staffing, and data challenges in evaluating applications and awarding funds.  The agencies have taken steps to meet these challenges, such as adopting a two-step evaluation process, utilizing nongovernmental personnel, and publishing information on the applicant’s proposed service area.  While these steps address some challenges, the agencies lack the needed time to apply lessons learned from the first funding round and face a compressed schedule to review new applications.  As a result, the agencies may risk awarding funds to projects that are not sustainable or do not meet the priorities of the Recovery Act.”

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