In conjunction with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, commonly known as the stimulus package, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) recently announced that it would begin the process of developing a national broadband plan to ensure that all Americans have access to high-speed Internet services.

As part of its efforts, the FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry (“NOI”) seeking input from consumers, industry, large and small businesses, non-profits, the disabilities community, state and local governments and all other interested parties. As required by the stimulus package, the FCC must deliver its plan to Congress by February 17, 2010.

The NOI provides an important opportunity for communications providers, consumers and vendors to make their voices heard and help shape the development of the FCC’s national broadband strategy. Entities hoping to obtain stimulus dollars, as well as current grant recipients and contributors to the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) should also consider responding to the NOI in order to provide much needed input as to where current grant programs, including USF, require improvement and restructuring.

Clients interested in participating in the FCC proceeding or learning more about the federal government’s efforts to implement the Obama Administration’s national broadband plan should contact Allison D. Rule at: adr@commlawgroup.com or 703-714-1300.