Vermont officials this week announced a new round of grants that will move the state closer to a universal broadband network across the state.
The state of Vermont is working to meet a goal of universal access to high speed internet service by the end of next year. Governor Shumlin announced that the Vermont Telecommunications Authority is providing $3.1 million to bring broadband to some of the hardest to serve locations in the state. Karen Marshall, Chief of Connect-VT, works with the numerous entities that will complete the broadband expansion. She says the funds are absolutely critical to achieving the universal broadband goal.
Vermont Telecommunications Authority Executive Director Christopher Campbell explains that all but 800-thousand dollars from this round of grants will go to service providers to extend their networks to the unserved areas. The 800-thousand will go towards a multi-purpose project for broadband and cellular service.
Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lawrence Miller says universal broadband and cellular will transform Vermont’s economic future.
At the end of 2011 there were about 16-thousand unserved homes and businesses across the state. The latest funding will bring broadband service to 544 locations.
