News

Internet funding rule could favor rural areas over cities

Internet funding rule could favor rural areas over cities

Photo: clipart.com


Officials in some urban areas are raising concerns about a federal rule limiting how federal coronavirus relief money can be spent on high-speed internet.

The American Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden lists broadband infrastructure as one of the uses for $350 billion of flexible aid to states, counties and cities.

A rule from the Treasury Department focuses eligibility on areas lacking upload speeds of at least 25 megabits per second and download speeds of 3Mbps.

That makes many remote, rural areas eligible. But cities and urban counties say that will make it difficult for them to use the money for neighborhoods that need upgrades.

They want the Treasury to broaden eligibility.

Latest Headlines

55 minutes ago in Local

Head-on crash on Route 1 in Saco leaves motorcyclist dead

Fresh

A motorcyclist was killed in a crash on Route 1 in Saco Friday morning.

56 minutes ago in Local

Police renew search for Hancock County man reported missing in 2017

Fresh

A search is planned in Hancock County in connection with a missing person case from 2017.

10 hours ago in Local

Turner Man Arrested in Connection with Lewiston Shooting

Updated

According to Lewiston police, they responded to reports of a shooting Thursday afternoon at 235 Bartlett Street. No injuries were reported. 

21 hours ago in Local

Collins Breaks with Republicans to Vote to Shut Down Iran War

She joined GOP Kentucky Senator Rand Paul to back the measure

22 hours ago in Local

No Injuries, Schools Secure After Shots Fired in Lewiston

The Lewiston School Superintendent said that police had informed them of the shooting.