Funding expands access, increases connectivity speed to broadband internet service in underserved communities
Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey announced the Department of Commerce has awarded $155,249 for Mission Economic Development Agency to increase broadband technology in Philadelphia. The funding is contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).
“Access to the internet is critical in today’s world and these investments will help bridge the digital divide so that all Pennsylvanians can be connected to a solid communications infrastructure,” Specter said. “I am pleased to see stimulus funds being used for technological improvements in Pennsylvania as it will create jobs and provide long-term economic benefits to the region.”
“The Latino Microenterprise Tech Net project will help more communities gain access to high-speed Internet,” said Senator Casey. “Jobs will be created during the installation phase and will later open more economic development and educational opportunities for people and businesses.”
Mission Economic Development Agency, in collaboration with the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, will create new public computer centers and expand on existing ones in communities throughout the United States. This project will offer training to help Latino entrepreneurs grow their business, focus on bilingual educational opportunities and connect Latinos to organizations with microenterprise and business development expertise. Additionally, these centers will see increased broadband connection speeds allowing for faster, more immediate access to the internet.
This funding is part of a larger announcement made by the Department of Commerce for increased broadband technology, targeted at underserved regions of the country.
For more information please visit www.broadbandusa.gov
###
