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Expand High-Speed Internet Access In Rural Areas |
"Barack Obama will ensure that rural Americans have access to a modern communications infrastructure. He will modernize an FCC program that supports rural phone service so that it promotes affordable broadband coverage across rural America as well."
-- Obama's Blueprint for Change
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MARCH 16, 2010
FCC Plan Calls For Rural Wireless
The FCC's National Broadband Plan suggests increasing the availability of rural broadband Internet access by reclaiming up to 500 megahertz of wireless spectrum from radio and television broadcasters. The spectrum would then be open for use by wireless networks. |
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FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Budget Outline Includes $1.3 Billion For Rural Broadband
Obama's draft budget provides $1.3 billion to the Department of Agriculture to "increase broadband capacity and improve telecommunication service... in rural areas." |
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FEBRUARY 17, 2009
Agriculture Department Gets $2.5 Billion For Broadband
The stimulus bill signed by Obama puts the Agriculture Department's Rural Utilities Service in charge of $2.5 billion of the $7 billion put aside for broadband projects. |
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FEBRUARY 11, 2009
Compromise Reached On Funds
As an outcome of the Senate and House negotiations, $7 billion in the stimulus package was set aside to bring broadband Internet service to underserved areas. |
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JANUARY 30, 2009
Stimulus Bill Includes Funds, Tax Credits
The House-passed stimulus bill includes $6 billion in grants for "broadband projects." The Senate version adds $3 billion to that, as well as tax credits for investing in broadband infrastructure in unserved, low-income and rural areas. |
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JANUARY 13, 2009
FCC Pick Could Help Spread Broadband
The Wall Street Journal reports that Obama has selected his top technology adviser, Julius Genachowski, to head the FCC. Genachowski helped Obama formulate his tech agenda, including portions regarding net neutrality and universal broadband access. |
