Pennsylvania joins $100 million broadband stimulus club | Telecompetitor

Pennsylvania is the latest state to announce that it has filed a $100 million plus broadband stimulus program application, seeking funds from the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities (BTOP) program and the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). Missouri, Maryland, New Mexico, and Massachusetts are also a part of the $100 million broadband stimulus application club. A total $7.2 billion has been allocated to the broadband-related economic recovery and stimulus programs established under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Governor Edward G. Rendell on August 24 announced that Pennsylvania has filed seven broadband grant applications totaling $108 million. Governor Rendell has high hopes for broadband. He claims expanding broadband access will ’save existing and create new jobs, help pull the state out of recession, spur advances in science, health and education, and provide long-term benefits in rural and urban communities...’