Tagged: broadband

Governor Jay Nixon (D) says more than 75 percent of the state has access to broadband Internet service.

The governor provided an update on the state’s efforts to expand access to rural portions of Missouri during today's second annual broadband summit, held in Jefferson City.  He told the audience of more than 300 business and government leaders that his broadband initiative has enabled small businesses and larger corporations across the state to compete for grants to expand broadband access.

Telephone utilities in 18 states will receive nearly $500 million in U.S. Agriculture Department funds to build, expand and improve broadband in rural areas.

The Ag Department made the announcement Monday during the annual meeting of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners in St. Louis.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the money to 28 telephone utilities will provide high-speed Internet that will improve health care and educational opportunities to rural areas, along with greater job opportunities.

Telecommunications companies in 16 states are sharing more than $103 million in federal funding to help expand broadband Internet access to rural America.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the grants and loans through its rural development office on Monday.