Ohio Tech Bits Blog » Blog Archive » New Federal Funding Announced for Improving Broadband

Ohio Tech Bits Blog » Blog Archive » New Federal Funding Announced for Improving Broadband

Today, President Barack Obama announced $795 million in grants and loans for increased broadband deployment.

These funds, matched with applicant-provided matches will fund 66 projects to improve high speed Internet access. This funding will provide better access to broadband for those living in areas that have limited access to broadband.

Here in Ohio, ComNet, Inc., received a $30 million grant and is providing an additional $12.9 million investment to expand their network in 28 counties.

This expansion will create over 300 jobs and, once completed will benefit over 2 million Buckeyes, 165,000 business and approximately 3,000 other community institutions.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said that the “middle mile” infrastructure projects the agency will fund connects more than 7400 institutions such as schools and hospitals to the Internet. He said he anticipates that others will then deploy additional infrastructure that extends that network connectivity to reach end users.

TOT feels, broadband expansion will continue to be a catalyst to move Ohio forward, creating 21st century jobs, and opportunities across the state.