Vilsack Announces Funding of 126 Broadband Projects

WASHINGTON August 4, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the funding of 126 new broadband projects with a funding total of $1.2 billion. The projects will span 38 states and a number of Native American tribal areas.

“The broadband projects announced today will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities,” Vilsack said. “The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America provides a gateway for businesses and key anchor institutions – such as libraries, schools, public safety and community centers – to provide services to thousands of Americans. These projects will create jobs building these networks, and the completed systems will provide a platform for rural economic growth for years to come.”

The $1.2 billion in government funds is being supplemented by $117 million in private investment.

There are 44 DSL projects, 18 mobile projects, and 39 fiber projects.

The majority of the mobile projects are by WiMax provider Utopian Wireless. The firm received $ 5,833,303.00 and will create 10 networks across 8 states.

A full list of the projects can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/broadband_project_descriptions.pdf