It has emerged that the US Government is to release US$4bn worth of loans and grants to expand broadband access in under-served areas of the US.
The investment is part of a US$7.2bn programme by the Obama administration aimed at building affordable but high-speed infrastructure in rural areas of the country.
It is part of an overall US$787bn economic stimulus package that was signed into law in February.
The grants and loans are understood to be open to all local government, as well as private and not-for-profit groups, to apply for.
A number of US government bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce, are working on a plan to ensure all American households and small businesses are properly connected to high-speed internet.
By John Kennedy
