White House issues nearly $800M for broadband, telemed projects

The Obama Administration released new government investments July 2 for 66 broadband deployment projects, worth $795 million, to expand access to broadband connections and telemedicine in rural and underserved regions.

According to the White House, the investments will create 5,000 construction and installation jobs, as well as $200 million in associated private investment. In total, more than 685,000 businesses, 900 healthcare facilities and 2,400 schools could benefit from the awards.

The Departments of Commerce and Agriculture will administer the grants and loans, which will be matched by $200 million in private investment for total spending of almost $1 billion to bring broadband service to these communities.

"With new or increased broadband access, communities can compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses, schools can create distance learning opportunities, medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy," according to the White House press release.