[February 02, 2010] Fitch: National Broadband Plan Key to Future Changes Tweet Feb 02, 2010 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Fitch Ratings has issued a statement in which it said that the national broadband plan that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to deliver to Congress in March will likely lead to new proceedings that could ultimately resolve issues related to Universal Service Funding (USF) reform and wireless spectrum inventory. According to its recently released 'Biannual Telecommunications Regulatory Register', Fitch expects that the national broadband plan will focus on broadband issues associated with education, energy, health care and civic participation. The programs, 'Broadband Technology Opportunities Program' and 'Broadband Initiatives Program', created as a result of the funding allocation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), are awarding funds based on their first application period. While telecommunications providers chose not to participate in the first application period, it is possible that a second round could be of interest. Nevertheless, the programs have received a number of applications for funding grants from public and private parties interested in completing broadband service projects. All funds from these programs, approximately $7.2 billion, must be awarded by September 20. Fitch's 'Biannual Telecommunications Regulatory Register' addresses the topic of the National Broadband Plan, the status of the $7.2 billion recovery act broadband program and an update on net neutrality. Additional information is available at: http://www.fitchratings.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]