Rollout of more than $2 billion in broadband funds begins

During an event in Dawsonville, Ga., Vice President Biden on Thursday will kick off the Obama administration's effort to disburse more than $2 billion in grants to expand broadband access in communities across the country. The funding, included in the economic stimulus package enacted in February, will be rolled out over the next 75 days. Biden will begin the rollout with the announcement of $182 million for 18 broadband projects that the administration said will benefit 17 states and will be matched by more than $46 million in private investment.

"The new broadband access will help underserved - and often hard-hit - communities overcome the distance and technology barrier by expanding connectivity between educational institutions, enabling remote medical consultations and attracting new businesses, as well as the jobs that come with them," according to a statement from the vice president's office. The stimulus package allocated $7.2 billion, to be split between the Commerce and Agriculture Departments and rolled out in two rounds, to expand broadband access and adoption particularly in areas with little or no access to the technology. In the coming days, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will announce more broadband awards.

The funding will go to help build and improve connections to communities lacking "sufficient" broadband access; connect end users in homes, hospitals, schools and other places to local broadband infrastructure; expand computer and broadband access at libraries, community colleges and other places accessible to the public; and fund projects aimed at spurring broadband demand.

Meanwhile, the White House released a new report from the National Economic Council detailing how the broadband stimulus funding aims to expand broadband access and adoption. For example, the report argues that using federal dollars to build and improve broadband access to communities will bring down the cost of private investment and help attract Internet service providers to new areas.