Friday, Nov 18 2011 5:10PM
More than $400 million in grants will be provided to organizations and businesses nationwide. One company will receive more than $17 million in loan funds to support the installation of 453 miles of buried fiber-optic cables throughout Idaho and Utah.
On behalf of Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Deputy Administrator Jessica Zufolo recently announced the agency will fund the expansion and improvement of broadband service and related infrastructure in rural areas.
More than $400 million in grants will be provided to organizations and businesses nationwide. One company will receive more than $17 million in loan funds to support the installation of 453 miles of buried fiber-optic cables throughout Idaho and Utah. New Mexico, Colorado, Washington and other states will also be installing or improving new equipment, cable and infrastructure.
"Today's funding will provide residents of these rural communities with high speed internet connections to improve healthcare and educational opportunities and connect to global markets," said Vilsack. He noted the infrastructure will expand business opportunities in rural areas, allowing both companies and individuals access to needed services.
This round of funding comes shortly after a report by the Department of Commerce which revealed some minority and rural households were further behind in broadband adoption rates than socio-economic factors accounted for.
For further reference, check out this source:
U.S. Department of Agriculture