Officials: Federal broadband stimulus program will have significant impact

California state officials and experts from the broadband industry expressed high hopes that the federal broadband stimulus program would have a significant impact on broadband availability and the industry in the months to come.

Joe Camicia, chief of staff for California’s chief information officer, and a member of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Broadband Task Force, said:“Today, people are waiting in lines at public libraries to use computers so they can apply online for jobs. This is an example of how federal dollars will help individuals tremendously.” He added that California has won only two federal awards so far, and that he hopes to see California win some 10 percent of the total funding that will be disbursed...