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As officials from numerous cities and organizations wait for federal officials to announce recipients of the first $4 billion in broadband stimulus funds next month to boost high-speed Internet connections in rural areas, one thing is clear. Not everyone will be satisfied with the outcome.

 

With $28 billion in request received, there’s not enough money to go around. So, how will the powers that be decide what projects deserve funding?

 

TMCnet put some questions to Sanjit Biswas (News - Alert), CEO of Meraki, a cloud-based wireless networking company. Meraki has helped customers apply for funds to provide last mile access and offered advice on network planning.

 

According to Biswas, organizations that submitted applications to fund larger, more involved projects will be among the least likely to receive stimulus money. Priority instead will be given to projects that have a greater impact on the public, he said.

 

Biswas, an expert in wireless networking, also said the public can help keep a watchful eye online regarding how stimulus money is used to ensure projects meet their estimated timelines.

 

Our exchange follows.

 

 

Sanjit Biswas: We expect to see smaller, more focused project proposals in the second round of applications. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration/Broadband Technology Opportunities Program  will have to make some difficult decisions about how to deploy the available funds, and it would be reasonable for them to avoid big, risky projects.

 

SB: We expect the NTIA will prioritize projects that will have a measurable impact on connecting more Americans and also provide the most “bang for the buck.” For example, it would seem prudent to prioritize a project that provides broadband to a low income housing community of 100 people at a cost of $10,000, over a fiber to the home project that connects 1,000 people for $100,000.

SB: Absolutely – at Meraki, we have been surprised to see heavy usage in public computer centers in libraries, municipal buildings and community centers. For example, the Meraki Wi-Fi networks at the Brooklyn Public Library serve nearly 10,000 users per month. Encouraging more networks in libraries will clearly have an impact on overall connectivity.

 

 

SB: The new administration’s focus on transparency and public access to spending data should go a long way to ensure funds are spent properly. With projects like data.gov and recovery.gov, Americans should be able to review all the funded projects and whether they are delivering on the timelines and goals that were originally proposed.

SB: Broadband access is the 21^st century version of the telephone: it helps connect distant communities and improve efficiency for businesses. The additional access to broadband is likely to have a fundamental impact by helping poorly connected communities rebound more quickly, in the process creating a wide range of jobs without requiring people to move and sell their homes.