The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has allocated approximately three quarters of a trillion dollars across a variety of industries and for a variety of purposes, some of which are well publicized and well known. Included in this stimulus package is $4.7 billion for the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (“BTOP”), which is to be managed and distributed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) of the US Department of Commerce. These funds will be dispersed in three application tranches, with the first phase scheduled to be launched in May 2009. All monies must be disbursed no later than September 30, 2010, and projects must be capable of being implemented within two years after BTOP funding is awarded.

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