Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

New US Broadband Projects Get $795 Million In Funding

Posted by Soulskill on from the take-that-finland dept.

snydeq writes "The Obama administration has announced nearly $795 million in grants and loans to 66 new broadband projects across the nation. The subsidies — to be doled out by the US NTIA and the US Rural Utilities Service — will bring broadband service to 685,000 businesses, 900 health-care facilities, and 2,400 schools, according to officials. The NTIA will award $404 million to 29 projects, and the grants will finance 6,000 miles of new fiber-optic lines. Most of the money will finance middle-mile broadband network projects. The RUS will award $390.9 million, with $163 million in loans and the rest in grants. Most of the RUS money is focused on last-mile broadband projects."

3 of 174 comments (clear)

  1. Public funding, private profit? by GrumblyStuff · · Score: 3, Interesting

    So... $800 million. Alright. How does that compare to profits major telecoms acquired since they got their first boost in the 90s?

  2. Any penalties for failure to meet goals? by kcbnac · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Is there any penalty for the telcos (such that they have to pay this money back, with penalties) if they fail to meet the goals this time around?

    Last time we gave them money we didn't get what we paid for, and they just shrugged their shoulders.

    Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... and I'm tempted to steal a quote from someone else.

    "It's Tuesday, get a rope!"

  3. Re:STOP SPENDING by h4rr4r · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Simple law
    No cable(wire, fiber) plant owner may operate an ISP nor video nor phone service provider or vice versa. All cable plant owners must provide access on a non-discriminatory basis.