Gov. Cuomo pushes to expand broadband internet access
Posted: 03.05.2012 at 6:16 AM
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ALBANY (AP) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pushing to devote $25 million of a job creation fund to expand broadband Internet access to rural upstate and underserved urban areas as a way to create jobs.

The high technology effort could also potentially provide far more cellular telephone coverage to the Adirondacks.

Cuomo is working with legislators to devote $25 million from the $75 million New York Works Economic Development Fund in his proposed budget.

The Legislature would have to approve that use of the job-creating fund as well as a law that would allow partnerships with private companies to implement high-speed broadband coverage.

Business groups from the Bronx to upstate New York are backing the proposal.

The state effort would mesh with a national drive.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)