Broadband Definitions for ARRA Proposals Set at 768 kbps Downstream and 200 kbps Upstream

"Broadband," for purposes of applying for grants or loans under NTIA or RUS broadband stimulus programs, in 768 kbps in the downstream, and 200 kbps in the upstream. As with every other specific rule, this is a minimum, not a maximum.

The provision seems designed to allow different platforms, with different capabilities, to be used. Also, the definitions will allow satellite and wireless broadband networks to qualify.

It probably will not hurt if a particular network has the ability to scale to higher speeds gracefully, either.