Neb. PSC gets stimulus funds

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100112/NEWS01/100119891

By Juan Perez Jr.
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Nebraska's Public Service Commission will receive $2.1 million of stimulus funds as part of a Department of Commerce project designed to expand broadband Internet access.

The Commerce Department said the project aims to map and collect data about broadband services, which policymakers can use to provide consumers with improved information on the broadband Internet services available to them.

The Public Service Commission, therefore, will need to collect and verify information about the availability, speed and location of broadband available in Nebraska.

Nine states other than Nebraska received funds for the project, as well. The Commerce Department said its awarded $97 million worth of grants under the program so far.

Sen. Ben Nelson lauded the grant, saying the funds would help connect the state's rural areas and improve Nebraska's economic outlook.

“These stimulus funds for broadband will help play an important part in bringing 21st Century infrastructure to all corners of Nebraska,” Nelson said. “Broadband data access helps rural areas take full advantage of the Internet and helps create jobs.”