Gaps Persist in High-Speed Web Access

Federal stimulus programs that devoted $7.2 billion to bringing high-speed Internet access to rural communities have left some areas without access and others complaining they have too much.

The Federal Communications Commission says some 19 million Americans, about 6% of the population, lack high-speed service, down from 26 million a year ago. Federal funds so far have fueled about 86,000 miles of broadband infrastructure, linking 12,000 town hubs, schools, hospitals, libraries and other anchors. These core networks, known as "middle mile," are then tapped by private enterprises that take the signals the "final mile" to individual homes and businesses. Later this week, a House subcommittee on communications and technology will examine the situation at a hearing titled "Is the Broadband Stimulus Working?" Witnesses will discuss allegations of waste, according to a committee memo, and "review whether taxpayers are getting a good return on their investment."