South Carolina looks to make broadband available in rural areas

SOUTH CAROLINA LOOKS TO MAKE BROADBAND AVAILABLE IN RURAL AREAS
[SOURCE: The Times and Democrat, AUTHOR: Gene Zaleski]
Broadening the playing field for all through access to the information superhighway is the goal of a statewide wireless and broadband technology study committee. "Internet access is an important part of economic development, education and people needing to communicate with one another," said state Sen. Brad Hutto, a member of the study committee formed in June. "We want to ensure the rural areas get the same opportunity to connect through the Internet through broadband as people who live in downtown Charleston and Greenville." The S.C. Technology and Communications Study Committee was formed to evaluate the state's broadband communications infrastructure and assess the need for broadband services in unserved and underserved areas within the state. The 17-member committee is composed of four state lawmakers and others from the private and public sectors. As part of its task, the committee has been charged with fostering the relationship between the private and public sectors, engaging consultants with expertise in broadband and serving as an advisory committee to the General Assembly. Hutto said the committee has received testimony from various phone and cable companies, as well as wireless providers, and will hear from universities and schools about their respective needs. He said all the information provided at the hearings will be reviewed and studied by the committee and will be brought back to state lawmakers for a final decision.
http://www.thetandd.com/articles/2007/11/13/news/12790284.txt