MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill designed to help rural communities get access to the internet.
The legislation aims to bring broadband internet to around 17,000 Vermont residents who lack basic internet access outside of dial-up. Vermont Public Radio reports about 50,000 other residents have internet access that doesn’t meet the federal standard of broadband.
The legislation offers a package of state-backed loans and grants to help providers expand internet access. The bill, drafted by Democratic Rep. Tim Briglin’s House Energy and Technology Committee, passed with only two votes against it.