As we’ve said before, the benefits of access to high-speed Internet over time are well documented from telemedicine, to buying your holiday gifts online. What sometimes gets overlooked is how providing that broadband access to begin with can create jobs and give the economy a strong, measurable boost now.

Broadband access requires the deployment of networks, the staff to maintain them and all of the related content provider investments along the way. As the broadband stimulus funds continue to be deployed across the country, here are just a few recent examples of how broadband is not only creating future opportunities but also having an immediate impact on local communities:

* Western Kansas is set to begin work on a broadband deployment plan for the area that will invest $100 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Larry Sevier, president of Lenora-based Rural Telephone Service Co. said the investment will bring a much needed economic boost, “Kansas jobs have been hit hard by the economic downturn in manufacturing, construction, professional and business services and alack of broadband availability," Sevier said.

* The Commerce and Agriculture Departments hosted the first of their 10 scheduled public broadband workshops to help promote and answer questions about the national broadband grant and loan processes. "Expanding access to broadband in communities throughout rural America is a major goal of the Obama administration because it is critical for future economic success," said the Agriculture Department’s Jonathan Adelstein.

* Alleghany Co. Virginia is beginning a project to install broadband infrastructure in homes, businesses, and community institutions throughout the county.  “In order for Virginia to compete in the global economy, it is imperative that we invest in the Commonwealth’s technology infrastructure, including high-speed Internet,” said Senator Jim Webb (D).