Two wireless projects are included in the first grants of broadband stimulus funds, according to a White House report released today. The first of the awards mostly concentrate on shoring up the “middle mile,” including $33 million for a middle mile project in rural Georgia.
In addition, the Consolidated Electric Cooperative will receive a grant/loan combination of $2.4 million to construct a 166-mile middle-mile network in North Central Ohio. “The project will bring major-city connectivity into underserved areas and connect anchor institutions and the facilities of wireless Internet service providers,” the report stated. In addition, the CEC network will connect all of tis substations to support a smart-grid technology initiative.
In Alaska, the government will awared a last-mile grant to Rivada Sea Lion, an Alaska Native Corp., to provide 4G wireless high-speed broadband Internet service to approximately 30,000 residents in 53 communities. “Rivada will design, engineer, and construct a multi-mode 4G last-mile remote network that spans 90,000 square miles and connects homes and businesses as well as anchor institutions such as health clinics, schools, and tribal government facilities. By using wireless and satellite technology rather than copper or fiber, the project will provide the first broadband services to these Native Alaskan communities at relatively low cost.”
The government received more than 2,200 requests for funds totaling more than $28 billion, but has only $7.2 billion available for projects.
Wireless part of two projects that get initial broadband stimulus funds
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