Conn. gets $93 million for broadband - Westfair Communications

Connecticut is receiving $93 million in federal stimulus funding to improve broadband Internet access in schools and public safety agencies.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is issuing the funding, and federal officials estimate some 1,200 jobs could be created under the grants, which will be disbursed over three years. The project will involve the installation of 675 miles of fiber optic cable and systems to support bandwidth speeds of 100 megabits per second.

Members of the state”™s Congressional delegation discussed the funding at press conferences in Hartford and Stamford.

“In order to compete with the advanced and emerging power centers across the globe, these investments are absolutely critical,” said U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, whose district includes Bridgeport and surrounding towns. “With this funding, our state will not only be able to preserve and create critical jobs ”“ it will open doors to new jobs for all our residents. And it will spur technological advancements in education, health and public safety that will provide longer-term economic benefits.”