More Qualms About Broadband Stimulus: This Time From Small Rural Telcos

Large U.S. telcos have their doubts about whether it will make any sense at all to apply for any funds under the National Telecommunications & Information Administration's portion of "broadband stimulus" funds, and generally are barred from applying under the Rural Utilities Service rules.

It appears small, independent, rural telcos have similar qualms. Attendees at a MetaSwitch Forum workshop on the broadband stimulus plan were shaking their heads in disbelief about "strings" attached to receipt of funds under the RUS plan, in particular the nebulous language about investments in access that allow multiple providers to compete.

Depending on how the final rules shape up, it is conceivable that most telcos and cable companies will decide not to participate directly.