Federal stimulus dollars vital for broadband expansion

About $7.2 billion of the federal stimulus package, or a little less than one percent, is going to be distributed across the country for many purposes, one of which is broadband access expansion in rural and underserved communities.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia recently gathered 400 business, government and nonprofit leaders at Piedmont Virginia Community College to discuss opportunities for using the money for broadband in Virginia. Businesses, individuals, and politicians alike stressed the need and importance of broadband access in communities for all different types of business and educational advancements.

"An estimated 25 percent of Virginia has no broadband access at all", said Virginia Deputy Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson. "Yet the scope of the problem, she added, is even greater. A full third of the state does not have access to affordable and high-speed Internet."

Affordable broadband access across the state, especially in rural areas, is critical to future investments and for the states technological infrastructure.

In addition to broadband access expansion, part of the federal dollars will be put towards innovation using existing broadband Internet connections. In Cleveland, Ohio public libraries are offering summer classes teaching children 3-D imaging and animation.

In Detroit, an organization named Youthville is promoting programs for children cover computer skills, leadership, academics, fitness, Web broadcasting and music studio recording. Using broadband, Youthville is creating a new, one-of-a-kind, 24-hour broadcasting studio.

With the allocation of funds from the federal stimulus plan, the U.S. can now take the necessary steps to ensure broadband access and improvements in all areas of the country.

Warner ties broadband access to rural development (Daily Progress)

Broadband - so what? Here's what (Knight Center)