When television stations switch to digital technology in February, a new series of segments of the electromagnetic broadcast spectrum will open up and the government has allocated it for use in spreading broadband Internet service to more areas of rural America to assist in the expansion of education and health care services, including telemedicine. However, it may be 2010 before much use of the new space is made.
The FCC recognizes the current shortage of service, and acknowledges how it can benefit education, government, and healthcare. Federal Policy requires the FCC to provide financial support in areas of the high cost of extending the service, assist rural schools and libraries with better connections, provide funds for low income citizens, and bolster the rural health care initiatives dependant upon the internet.
The Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) recently released a report discussing the importance of high speed broadband service in economic development and many essential government, education, and health care services.
Click here for more information rural broadband and telehealth.
Click here for a copy of the RUPRI report on "Rural Broadband":
Click here for the Rural Policy Research Institute website.
