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Broadband Stimulus, Calix, and You

Broadband Stimulus in the U.S. is now a reality. This historic legislation, signed into law by President Obama on February 17, promises to have a profound impact on broadband deployment in 2009 and for years to come.

As the leading advanced broadband solutions provider to rural America, Calix is following Broadband Stimulus developments closely. We are committed to sharing the latest information available on this bill with our customers and supporting them as they seek the available grants, loans, and loan guarantees.

We invite you to return to this web page periodically to stay up-to-date on this major new catalyst to U.S. broadband deployment.

Broadband Stimulus FAQ

Q: How much money of the Broadband Stimulus Bill was allocated to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS)?

A: Approximately $2.5 billion was allocated to RUS for broadband grants, loans, and loan guarantees.

Q: Can projects funded by RUS funds also be eligible for NTIA funds?

A: NO – Projects awarded by the RUS and NTIA CANNOT be the same.

Q: Is there a deadline by which the RUS and NTIA projects must be awarded?

A: YES – The $6.85 billion to be funded by the RUS and NTIA must be awarded by September 30, 2010. That said, there will be significant urgency behind getting these projects awarded as quickly as possible.

Q: Who is the NTIA and what is its role in the Broadband Stimulus Bill?

A: The National Telecommunications Information Agency (NTIA) was established in 1978 within the Department of Commerce and advises the President on telecommunications and information policy. As part of the Broadband Stimulus Bill, it will be awarding $4.35 billion in funding for grants to provide the "highest broadband speed possible to the greatest population in unserved and underserved areas." All grants must be awarded by September 30, 2010 and substantially complete within 2 years of award.

Q: Who is eligible for NTIA grants?

A: A wide variety of entities are eligible for NTIA grants. As long as service to the public interest can be demonstrated, grants are available to for-profit and non-profit entities, Native American tribes, and state and local governments.

Q: Were tax credits included as part of the Bill?

A: NO – Although tax credits were a major part of the Senate's original proposal, there were dropped from the final version of this Bill.

Q: How will Calix provide assistance to its customers in seeking funds from the Broadband Stimulus?

A: Calix will assist its customers via education and support. In addition to information available on this website and through the Calix User Group web page, Calix will be conducting periodic informational webinars and live educational events across the country. One-on-one consulting sessions can also be coordinated as well with your regional sales team. Calix will also be providing support to customers engaged in the proposal process. Please consult your local Calix sales team for details.

Note: The Calix User Group web page (portal.calix.com/portal/site/usergroup) requires a login. If you don't have a login, you can register here.

Broadband Stimulus Update

Register Now for Feb. 11 Calix Broadband Stimulus Webinar: Tips for a Successful Application

Applications for Round 2 of Broadband Stimulus will open on February 16th. This will be the last opportunity to take advantage of grants and loans offered under the American Recovery and Reconstruction Act (ARRA). This webinar will focus on strategies and tips for applying in Round 2.

Topics covered will include:

  • Deciding which program to submit to: BIP versus BTOP
  • Maximizing your application point score
  • Who to turn to for help
  • Making the most of the changes from Round 1
  • Leveraging stimulus dollars for the long term strategic advantage

We will also cover key learnings that came out of the application guides and workshops conducted by the RUS and NTIA for Round 2.

After approval by Calix, you will receive your webinar login link in an email. You will need this link to attend the webinar.

Click here to register for Feb. 11 Calix Broadband Stimulus Webinar

View the Jan. 27 Calix Broadband Stimulus Webinar: Round 1 Review / Round 2 Update

Calix Participates in FCC Panel on National Broadband Plan

Geoff Burke, Calix Senior Director of Corporate Marketing, testified before an FCC panel on August 13, presenting the Calix vision of where broadband is headed in coming years.

Download recording of panel (RealPlayer required)
To view Burke's portion of the panel, start the playback around 2:14.

Download RealPlayer

View Burke's slides (PDF)

View Burke's prepared remarks (PDF)


View Webcast of Joint NTIA/RUS Process and Application Conference in Washington, DC

A public conference on Broadband Stimulus processes and applications for NTIA and RUS funding was held on Tuesday, March 10 in Washington, DC. A webcast of the meeting is available on the NTIA website:

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/broadbandgrants/

Where to Learn More

Calix Broadband Stimulus Update Webinar July 9: Interpreting the NOFA

View the webinar recording (Windows Media Player required; duration 2:05)

View the slides (PDF)

Notice of Funds Availability Released July 1

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released the long-awaited Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) on July 1. This 121-page document contains details on definitions, evaluation criteria, application processes, and deadlines for service providers in applying for Stimulus funds.

Read the NOFA (PDF)

Calix Broadband Stimulus Update Webinar May 29

View the webinar recording (Windows Media Player required; duration 1:05)

View the slides (PDF)

Calix Broadband Stimulus Update Webinar April 17

View the webinar recording (Windows Media Player required; duration 1:47)

View the slides (PDF)

Calix Broadband Stimulus Update Webinar March 20

View the webinar recording (Windows Media Player required; duration 1:17)

View the slides (PDF)

View poll results from webinar

Poll results from webinar

Calix Broadband Stimulus Update Webinar March 6

View the webinar recording (Windows Media Player required; duration 1:31)

View the slides (PDF)

Calix Broadband Stimulus Update at MTA on March 2

View the presentation (PDF)

Hear the speakers (MP3 audio files):

Federal government

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) website
http://www.recovery.gov/

ARRA interactive map of state recovery websites
http://www.recovery.gov/

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/

Rural Utilities Services (RUS)
http://www.usda.gov/rus/

Public Comment sessions (videos, transcripts)
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/

White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/

PDF maps of census blocks on the Census Bureau website
http://www.census.gov/geo/www/
maps/descriptwindows/
census_blockmaps.htm

Interactive maps on the Census Bureau website
http://factfinder.census.gov/
servlet/RMGeoSearchByListServlet
?_lang=en&_program=DEC

Mapping tools from the Census Bureau and third parties
http://factfinder.census.gov/
jsp/saff/SAFFInfo.jsp
?_pageId=gn7_maps

Areas currently funded by RUS
http://broadbandsearch.sc.egov.
usda.gov/SearchTabs.aspx

Information about rural vs. non-rural
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/
bulletins/fy2008/b08-01.pdf

Information about applications and workshops
http://broadbandusa.sc.egov.usda.gov/

Associations, trade organizations, vendors

FTTH Council
http://www.ftthcouncil.org/

FTTH Council March 27 filing to RUS
FTTH Comments.pdf (PDF)

National Telecommunications Cooperative Association
http://www.ntca.org/

US Telecom - the Broadband Association
http://www.ustelecom.org/

OPASTCO
http://www.opastco.org/

Rural Independent Competitive Alliance
http://www.ricalliance.org/

Nielsen Claritas
Data on broadband penetration by census block group
http://www.claritas.com/
paul.rossetti@nielsen.com

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