The best way to streamline RUS: fast-track partial loan guarantees

As I argued last week, the second round of the broadband stimulus is in trouble if the only changes it makes are expanding eligibility and extending the time available to apply. NTIA and RUS have had enough trouble dealing with 2,200 applications; it's worrisome to think what might happen if 10,000 show up on their doorstep in round two.

I'm not trying to suggest that eligibility shouldn't be expanded, just that we also need to find solutions for streamlining the approval process and getting money out the door more quickly. But we do have to be careful as we need to make sure we only fund the right projects and that we maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars.