Joint FCC, USDA project encourages rural broadband.

• Position: News & Numbers - Federal Communications Commission - Department of Agriculture - Brief article

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have created an online resource to help bring the benefits of broadband services to communities in rural areas. The joint project includes a Broadband Opportunities for Rural America Web site, which provides access to expertise and resources in a single location. It provides information on the technologies that can be used to bring broadband to rural America, funding opportunities provided by the FCC and USDA, and links to other resources.

At the end of 2005, 24 percent of rural Americans had high-speed Internet connections at home, compared with 39 percent of urban and suburban dwellers, according to a study by the Pew Internet Project.

"Broadband technology is a key driver of economic growth. The ability...