NEW HAMPSHIRE AWARDED $2.3 MILLION TO EXPAND BROADBAND INTERNET

 (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that two New Hampshire broadband providers have received grants to bring high speed internet to areas where it is otherwise unavailable. The Merrimack County Telephone company has been awarded $2,021,197 and the Kearsarge Telephone Company was awarded $372,532 to expand broadband internet to people and businesses in their service area. This important investment will help drive economic development, create jobs, and connect New Hampshire residents with educational opportunities.

"Affordable, high speed internet is essential for economic growth and job creation. These important investments in Merrimack County communities will create new opportunities for distance learning, health care delivery, and economic development, while connecting many homes and business to high speed internet for the first time," said Shaheen. 

Currently, New Hampshire ranks in the bottom tier of states in broadband capacity and capability, and compared to the country at large, New Hampshire residents, businesses, and institutions have access to lower broadband speeds that are less available and less affordable. This funding, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will help expand broadband access in these communities.  In July, New Hampshire was awarded an additional $44.5 million to expand broadband services to underserved communities across the state.

This project is part of a nationwide investment in broadband infrastructure. The Recovery Act calls for a $7.2 billion investment in broadband infrastructure, which will help create jobs, spur economic opportunity, and open communities to information that would be otherwise unavailable.

For more information on this and other broadband programs, visit www.broadbandusa.gov.