As the Knight Center of Digital Excellence has previously written, many broadband stimulus applicants have run into a few technical road bumps while working to meet submission deadlines. (“Stimulus submission software glitches prompt an extension in electronic submission closing deadline”)

However, a few suggestions recently posted on BroadbandUSA may help applicants avoid some of those major software glitches while making the process more efficient for each other:

• Decrease generation of PDFs: Problems applicants were having in creating and storing PDFs proved to be a major reason why the system was getting bogged down last week. To reduce lag time, BroadbandUSA suggests applicants avoid creating PDFs while still working through the application, only doing so once the application is finished (or if creating a PDF is absolutely necessary).

According to BroadbandUSA, “when you upload a file, the system converts the file to PDF format for storage. This is causing a system bottleneck in an effort to convert the high volume of files we are receiving. That is the reason you often cannot view the file immediately after upload. The upload worked but the file is in the conversion queue. The number of files in the conversion queue will impact how long it takes before your file is converted.”

• Convert files yourself: While BroadbandUSA states, “We have more than doubled the server capacity to handle the spike in traffic, and are currently improving the processing power of our application to reduce system latency,” avoid being part of the bottleneck problem and convert your files to PDF format before uploading anything. Don’t have the software to do this? Don’t know how? There are a variety of free and easy-to-use products you can download or use online. Search for “free pdf convertor” or “convert to pdf.”

• Submit attachments once: Clicking the “upload” button more than once will not upload your files faster. With most online applications, this actually resets the process.

• Submit applications early and during non-business hours: BroadbandUSA suggests applicants submit application materials before the Aug. 20 deadline and after 8 p.m. (EST). To be safe, we recommend that you have your application completed by Wednesday (Aug. 19).

These are some simple tips BroadbandUSA offered to help its system run more efficiently, help you speed your application processing and ensure all applications are filed by the deadline. Keep in mind that if you have further questions, BroadbandUSA has extended its help desk hours this week and will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Also be sure to pay attention to additional clarifying messages that have been posted throughout the step-by-step application process to help applicants navigate the process successfully.

Tags: BIP, Broadband Initiatives Program, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, BroadbandUSA, BTOP, Internet, KCoDE, Knight Center of Digital Excellence, network, NTIA, PDF files, RUS, stimulus, stimulus watch