In the past four years, broadband providers have invested more than $250 billion in the effort to expand access to broadband technology. Building out networks and providing high-speed Internet to underserved regions of the country has allowed rural America to benefit from increased business and economic opportunities, advanced healthcare and enriched educational programs.Read more

The day has come when all students in grades five to twelve in Munster School District in Indiana are now told to open their laptops instead of their textbooks by their teachers. The school district completed a $1.1 million overhaul to ensure that all of its 2,600 students were able to use laptops for their math and science lessons.Read more

As broadband stimulus funds continue to make their way to all 50 states, we’ve been bringing you a closer look at some of those public-private partnerships getting underway. Here are some of the most recent broadband expansion projects being announced:

 Read more

As the latest round of broadband stimulus funds continue to make their way to 66 projects across all 50 states, we’re taking a look at some of the new high-speed Internet access and adoption efforts getting underway:

Indiana: The Zayo Group is working on a $25 million project to expand broadband access to 80 rural communities. Zayo President John Sarcano said the grants will “go a long way to enabling, literally, distance learning in earnest, distance medicine in earnest. Those sorts of things really improve quality of life, in my own judgment, in a way that we genuinely enjoy being a part of.” Read more about the project here.

Maine: The Maine State Library has received a $1.36 million grant to expand broadband access and education at 107 state public libraries.  “The Maine State Library project is an important step forward in enabling all Maine residents — especially those in currently underserved areas — to have access to broadband technology and services,” Gov. John E. Baldacci said. “High speed Internet access is vital to expand our educational opportunities and workforce development and is an important way to connect Mainers to information and services. By connecting Maine people and businesses to high-speed broadband – students, workers, families and companies – Maine will be able to compete for business and jobs now and into the future.” Read more about the project here.

 Read more

Last Thursday, the Commerce Department announced 10 new broadband projects worth $63 million in infrastructure and access grants. Last week, we told you about four of the states launching new projects as well as an expansive new high-speed Internet effort in the Navajo Nation. Here is a look at some of the other projects getting underway:

Indiana: Education Networks of America was awarded a $14.3 million grant to expand broadband access to underserved areas in the state. The project is expected to expand high-speed Internet access to 145 state schools and libraries. Read the full story here. 

Michigan: Merit Network Inc has been awarded a $33 million grant to build out fiber lines through part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The project is expected to run through January 2013. Read the full story here.Read more

U.S. Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funding for 22 rural broadband infrastructure projects in more than 18 states yesterday. The projects are designed to create jobs now while also providing high-speed Internet access to improve employment and educational opportunities for years to come

"These broadband projects will provide rural America access to the tools it needs to attract new businesses, educational opportunities and jobs," Vilsack said. "The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America is an economic gateway for people, business owners, and key institutions - such as libraries, hospitals, public safety buildings and community centers. Broadband is important for rural communities to remain strong in the 21st Century."

The federal grants are being matched by $13.1 million in private investment.

The states/areas receiving funding for the new projects are: Alaska, American Samoa, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Texas and West Virginia.

Below is a look at some of the specific state projects getting underway:

In Indiana: The state will receive nearly $12 million in loans and grants to bring broadband access to businesses, community organizations and homes in underserved state communities.

In Nevada: $4.7 million is being invested to upgrade 29 community centers with broadband access. The centers will also provide job training and language training courses.

 Read more