States hope broadband will create jobs

Citing recent news regarding increased broadband access, technology officials in both Oklahoma and South Carolina have commented that they view broadband as a method of improving employment in the short term. Also, broadband access is a major part of ongoing education reform plans, so the long-term effects of improved access on employment numbers is clear, according to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski. United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is leading the broadband expansion efforts in rural parts of the country. EnidNews.com recently reported that Vilsack believes that grants awarded to ISPs in Oklahoma will help the state's rural regions develop a broadband infrastructure that provides better education opportunities to young people and new capability to farm businesses. "The broadband projects announced [Tuesday] will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, educational opportunities and jobs," Vilsack said. "The Obama administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America provides a gateway for businesses and key anchor institutions - such as libraries, schools, public buildings and community centers - to provide services to thousands of Americans." In South Carolina, however, a 2009 contract that leased airwaves to two private telecommunications agency prevented the state from taking advantage of the FCC's new plan, according to Free-Times.com.