White House Announced $1.8 Billion In Stimulus Funds For Broadband Expansion

The Obama administration announced a plan Wednesday to use $1.8 billion in Recovery Act funds to expand broadband access across 37 states.

The expansion, which the White House predicts will affect 19 million households and 1.8 million businesses, is aimed at placing rural businesses into the global economy as well as well as spurring job-growth through the broadband’s installation.

 Jared Bernstein, the Vice President’s Chief Economist, explained during a conference call with reporters Wednesday that a boost in broadband access will also benefit local communities by allowing medical and emergency agencies to communicate with greater ease.

The Commerce Department will award 66 grants for projects aimed at implementing the administration’s broadband strategy.