Large carriers unlikely to chase $7.2 billion in broadband stimulus grants

The Washington Post reports that network operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast are unlikely to chase $7.2 billion in federal broadband stimulus dollars.

The publication says that the companies claim to have plenty of cash, want to avoid the scrutiny that comes with government investment in their networks, or are upset with net neutrality rules attached to the application.

Meanwhile, analysts say that the large carriers probably have a better chance of bridging the digital divide. "If you want to get broadband out, you have to do it with [those] ... who have 85 percent of lines in the country," Robert Atkinson, president of Washington think tank Information Technology and Innovation Foundation told the Post.

According to some analysts, fear of more stringent net neutrality regulation has turned off the network carriers from applying. Mark Seifert, senior advisor for the NTIA, who is overseeing the application process, said that the rules were not written for or against any network carrier. [via mocoNews]