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$59 Million Broadband Plans For South Alabama Counties
September 8, 2010
A federal grant will help improve high speed Internet availability in Escambia and seven other south Alabama counties.
A $59 million grant was awarded to Trillion Communications Corp. of Bessemer, Ala. on behalf of the South Century Alabama Broadband Commission. With nearly $27 million in matching contributions, Trillion will offer affordable middle-mile broadband service in Escambia, Macon, Lowndes, Dallas, Wilcox, Butler, Crenshaw and Conecuh counties.
The project plans to directly connect as many as 400 community institutions to broadband. As many as $172,800 people and 3,000 businesses stand to benefit, according to the company’s application. The company estimates the project will create more than 550 jobs.
The grant was one of five grants totaling $111 million in Alabama, part of $7 billion in federal stimulus dollars intended to bridge the technological divide in communities that are being left in the 20th century economy and support improvements in education, healthcare, and public safety.
The projects receiving funds are part of a program – administered by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) – to expand broadband access and adoption across the country.
Several Florida broadband projects also received funding, but none were in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.
Pictured: The map above shows the limited availability of broadband Internet in Escambia County, Ala. Courtesy ConnectingALABAMA for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
6 Responses to “$59 Million Broadband Plans For South Alabama Counties”
Just what we need. This company screwed over school systems around the state with their wireless links so why not give them more money.
More government socialized programs. Where is the outcry by the Tea Party members over this federal grant?
We sure need this in the Century area. It would help attract new business!
How does this work for people that already pay extremely high prices for slow broadband , such as we do in Escambia county?
Oh my goodness they are finally going to let the counties come out of the dark ages. WOW! It is very much needed it should help not only the average citizen but businesses as well. Now you will have a draw card for new businesses who who have to depend on high speed cable.
Its abouit darn time, us little peons down at stanley crossroads only have the option of dial-up. with kids needing the internet for studying, people with jobs, etc and living in the woods, it will definitely make a difference and make life just a little bit easier for communications.