Final Stimulus Package Includes $7.2 Billion for Broadband

President Obama signed into law the $787 billion stimulus package, which includes $7.2 billion for broadband grant and loan programs. The bulk of the funds directed at broadband -- $4.7 billion -- will be distributed through a program run by the Commerce Department, while $2.5 billion will fall under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Department, giving particular emphasis to broadband deployment in rural areas.