Is Prince George's becoming a ‘high-tech hotspot'?

Prince George's County leaders say a new federally funded network of broadband Internet lines will upgrade the county's computers systems, bringing new services, savings and, hopefully, technology jobs.

Starting this week, the county will be installing the Intercounty Broadband Network, a $145 million project to lay high-speed fiber-optic lines that will connect government buildings across eight counties in central Maryland and two major cities. The network, which goes online in 2013, is being funded through the 2008 federal stimulus and creates fast data connections that lawmakers say will create thousands of jobs and opportunities for future projects. Contractors began laying lines in Howard County in January. By August 2013, the network will span from Frederick to Harford counties in the north, down to Prince George's in the south, and will also include Baltimore city and Annapolis.