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DeltaCom, Inc., a provider of integrated communications services in the southeastern United States, has reportedly applied for federal stimulus funding to expand its broadband network access under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program.

 

Reports from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Rural Utilities Service, has indicated that nearly 2,200 stimulus applications were received during the grant process, totaling approximately $27.6 billion in funding, which is reportedly seven times more than the earmarked available funds.

 

As stated, DeltaCom’s application has requested $9.4 million in grant funding to match an additional $2.3 million which has to be created for new access points to Deltacom's (News - Alert) network across several underserved markets.

 

"Deltacom is focused on providing competitive communications services, currently serving customers in a number of rural markets," said Jerry Watts, vice president of Government and Industry Affairs at Deltacom.

 

"If Deltacom is awarded a grant through the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program selection process, our proposal would deliver access to last mile providers for their broadband initiatives and would be a natural extension of the Deltacom network," added Watts.

 

Through its fiber optic network, it offers a comprehensive suite of voice and data communications services, including local, long distance, broadband data, Internet connectivity, wireless voice and data services, and customer premise equipment.

 

Deltacom has also participated with last mile providers in several other grant applications, including approximately $47 million in construction and broadband access elements.

 

"Deltacom's extensive network presence across the Southeast, including our existing reach into tier two and tier three markets, is synergistic with the broadband initiatives of many last mile service providers, educational institutions and government agencies," said Tom Schroeder, senior vice president of Carrier Sales, Deltacom.

 

"We continue to identify partnership opportunities for second and third round BTOP grant applications to address un-served and underserved markets in our home states," added Schroeder, said Schroeder.