Run a standard word search through the 121 page, NTIA/RUS Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) document and you’ll find the word “jobs” only six times.

Broadband stimulus, like all stimulus, is under a microscope and eventually could come under fire as critics of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act say jobs are not coming.

When reviewing the Knight Center of Digital Excellence’s five-page “Selected Broadband NOFA Highlights,” you’ll see Broadband Technology Opportunity Program funds are available in three categories:

• Broadband Infrastructure, which consists of “last mile” and “middle mile” development in un-served or underserved areas;

• Public Computer Centers, which should be designed to increase public access and capacity; and

• Sustainable Broadband Adoption, which will consider projects designed to promote demand.

So while these are access-oriented categories, access begets innovation, which begets jobs.

Also, keep in mind this is the first round of funding. We’re optimistic the second and third rounds will have more urban access and job creation components.

Without debating the merits of the entire stimulus package – we at the Knight Center of Digital Excellence believe that the broadband portion is and will be critical to our nation’s global competitiveness and our ability to innovate and create jobs.

So for now, be patient.

In the meantime, take a look at our highlights document. It provides a quick and thorough synopsis of the original 121-page NOFA. Also, be sure to visit the Knight Center of Digital Excellence Stimulus Center for more stimulus-related information.