The Local Loop

The Latest on BTOP

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:36:00 GMT

While the RUS BIP process has been very quiet since Round 1 stimulus submissions, NTIA’s BTOP program continues to evolve and communicate its changes during its evaluation process. The following provides an update on what both states and applicants can expect.

White Spaces: Beachfront Property at No Cost?

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:50:00 GMT

Today, November 4, the FCC Commissioners unanimously approved the free use of vacant digital television frequencies for broadband and other services. These vacant frequencies have been called “white spaces” and are somewhat close to the frequencies just auctioned for cellular carriers.

What does this mean? First, some context. What are white spaces? They are the unused television channels at any US location between channels 5 and 51. How do they compare to the 70

Free Markets

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:17:00 GMT

As I come back from a week of vacation and look at the news, I don’t think I could have picked a more turbulent week in which to travel in my lifetime. The United States is investing $85B in a single firm, AIG, and expecting to make up to $700M more available through various means to keep our country solvent. The US has already let Lehman Brothers go while previously backing Bear Stearns. Investment banking, traditionally the most assured vehicle for wealth accumulation for Ivy Leaguers, has partially and arguably largely collapsed. Outsized bonuses for staff and enormous packages for CEOs have evaporated as searching for a job becomes paramount. Remaining independent banks are transitioning to more traditional structures with increased federal insurance and the oversight that comes with it.