05/02/10
Vermont pushes communities to seek broadband funding
In an effort to improve broadband access throughout the state, Vermont's government has encouraged rural communities to apply for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The state founded the e-Vermont Partnership to help the communities apply for funds under a blanket group that will make their application more appealing.
The program cost roughly $4 million thus far, but the state believes its initial investment will help the communities develop and install broadband plans that will help them improve their schools and economic growth opportunities. Comcast recently announced that it had completed a massive expansion plan throughout the state that helped it reach 85 percent broadband coverage.
The remaining 15 percent may be the most difficult as technological barriers and resistance from some have prevented the message of broadband's benefits from resonating. The partnership has announced it will hold "front-porch forums" and other meetings to discuss the move with townspeople. They will also provide computer equipment for those without.
The Federal Communications Commission recently reported that 10 percent of people without broadband internet access believe that the medium allows for exposure to undesirable content. This has been especially true in rural areas.
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