Smart-grid money could assist broadband - PC World

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday unveiled US$3.4 billion in grants to update the nation's electrical grid, but the benefits could reach to the broadband sector as well, one community broadband adviser said.

The announcement of so-called smart-grid grants to 49 states is focused on creating a more efficient and reliable electric system in the U.S. However, the backbone of the smart grid, which uses digital technology to deliver electricity and control use, will be an Internet Protocol-based network, and the result could mean new broadband deployment in some areas, said Craig Settles, a broadband analyst and president of consulting firm Successful.com...