The Duluth News Tribune reports that Duluth is the latest city to express an interest in federal dollars for broadband through the stimulus package. Duluth is looking into a wireless network to community clubs.
The good news (I think) is that they say that “a possible exclusion from the federal money won’t alter the city’s pursuit in improving broadband capabilities.” It’s not that I don’t’ think Duluth has a good chance for federal funding – it’s just that I’ve been getting worried lately that all of this good work going into broadband planning would only continue in the areas that were funded. I’d like to think that all of the stimulus hopefuls will carry on regardless of the grant outcome.
Duluth is already served – at least to some capacity. Verizon Wireless introduced a new broadband service in February; AT&T plans to launch its faster 3G network in early fall.
