Broadband access and adoption programs continue to spread across all 50 states, as private ventures and the national broadband stimulus continue working toward the shared goal of bringing high-speed Internet to every American home and business. Here is a closer look at some of those projects being announced:

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According to a recent study on broadband development, the United States ranks 23^rd out of 57 countries assessed.

Currently only 57% of U.S. urban households and 60% of suburban households subscribe to high-speed broadband, a number that drops dramatically in rural areas where many people only have access to dial-up, or a single broadband provider with a captive market. Studies by the Pew Internet and American Life Project report that rural dial-up subscribers have lower incomes, lower education levels and are generally minorities. 

Broadband is a critical enabler in the creative economy thriving in the US.  While manufacturing is declining in many American communities, technology, innovation and creative sectors are flourishing.  For all of our citizens to participate in this new economy they need to have high-speed Internet.Read more

Maine and Vermont announced projects this week aimed to expand high-speed Internet access to rural and underserved communities. Here is a closer look at those new efforts getting underway:

Maine: The “3 Ring Binder” project is getting underway, a 1,100 mile, $25 million dollar fiber line project that will provide affordable broadband services to underserved areas. Susan Corbett of Axiom technology in Machias said, "I have no doubt this will bring new businesses and new jobs here. Because once you have the infrastructure in place, then the business has a place to go. If you're a business and it doesn't matter geographically where you are, because of whatever you're building or selling, then what a beautiful place to have a business. Once you have the infrastructure in place, whether you live in Portland or Dennysville, Maine won't make a difference." Read more about the project here.

Vermont: The East Central Vermont Community Fiber Network has announced funding is “well under way,” for its pilot project to expand rural broadband access. The $75 million project is expected to gain its funding through private investment and commitments from 27 towns, expected to serve 46,000 residents. Read more about the project here.

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.

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